Disposal of CFL Bulbs

CFL bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury (about 5 mg, the size of the point of an ink pen). Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to you or your family should a bulb break and is cleaned up properly. To properly clean up a broken CFL bulb:

    1. Open a window. Have people and pets leave the room for at least 15 minutes
    2. Shut off central air/heat system, if you have one.
    3. Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
    4. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. 
    5. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.

For more information on how to properly clean up a broken CFL bulb go to: http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/#fluorescent

For disposal of CFL bulbs:

Home Depot now accepts expired, unbroken CFL bulbs. Simply give them to the store associate at the returns desk. For the nearest Home Depot location, go to www.homedepot.com