Recycling- CFLs

Fluorescent lamps should be disposed of properly with other household hazardous waste products such as pesticides, paint, batteries and thermostats.Lane County Waste Management, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and local electric utilities in the Eugene-Springfield community have teamed up to create a convenient residential recycling program for spent CFLs and linear fluorescent tubes (4-foot maximum on tubes).

Why recycle?

Fluorescent lamps contain an extremely small amount of mercury, which is what makes them so efficient. The amount of mercury is so small that it does not pose a health risk to your family. However, we are working to keep large accumulations of these lamps out of the landfills.

Recycling locations

Simply take your spent bulbs to one of the following locations:

How to clean up broken fluorescent lamps

In the unlikely event a bulb breaks, be certain to sweep up (don't vacuum) all of the glass fragments and phosphor powder. Place the broken pieces in a plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or fine particles. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well. Take to the Lane County Glenwood Transfer Station for recycling.

Additional tips

• To reduce the risk of bulb breakage and contamination, wrap the bulb in a sealed plastic bag.
• Never incinerate fluorescent lamps.
• If your ENERGY STAR® qualified bulb fails within its two-year warranty period, return it to the place of purchase for a replacement bulb, and fill out a CFL failure card.

Contacts

• EPUD Customer Service (541) 746-1583
• Northwest ENERGY STAR®
• Lane County Waste Management at (541) 682-4120