Proper Disposal of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) in Maryland

As compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have increased in popularity due to their significant energy saving attributes (they consume about 75% less electricity and can last almost 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs), concern has arisen about the mercury content within the bulb. 

It is true that CFLs do contain mercury.  According to a 2007 paper issued by the EPA’s Energy Star program, each CFL bulb tube contains about 5 milligrams of mercury, which is an element essential for the cool-burning functionality of the bulb. 

Although mercury is a naturally occurring element, accumulation at certain levels in humans can be toxic. Efforts are underway to reduce the necessary amounts of mercury in these bulbs, but the nature of CFLs will likely always require some trace of mercury. 

So, what are homeowners to do with these bulbs once they burn out?  Are they considered hazardous waste?

Unfortunately, there are no widespread recycling or disposal programs established specifically for CFLs.  Accordingly, at this point in time, disposal procedures vary on a state-by-state and even county-by-county basis.  In some states it is illegal to dispose CFLs with the regular trash, but in most areas it is permitted. 

In Maryland, each county sets its own recommended procedures for disposal of the CFL bulbs.  Anne Arundel County, for example, suggests the CFLs be dropped off at the Household Hazardous Waste facilities on the scheduled collection dates during the year.  Given the obvious significant inconvenience of hauling such a small item to the dump, most people simply dispose of the bulbs in the regular trash, which is permitted. 

To confirm Anne Arundel County policy on CFLs, I called the county’s Waste Management Division and was told that although the county would prefer disposal at the hazardous waste facility on the scheduled collection dates, residents can simply place the bulbs in the regular landfill-bound trash.  They do recommend, however, that the burned out CFLs are wrapped in plastic so if they break in transit the mercury is not easily released. 

Given the wide variance of CFL disposal guidelines in different jurisdictions, homeowners should check with their local waste collection administration office for more information applicable to their area.   

Clearly the currently available disposal methods are less than ideal and the EPA is working with manufacturers and retailers to address the obvious problem related to CFL mercury content. 

But, given the mercury issue, it begs the questions:  Are CFLs better for the environment than incandescent bulbs? 

Most experts agree that because CFLs use far less electricity, produced by power plants that emit mercury as a coal-burning by-product, it is still probably better for the environment to make the switch to CFLs.  And, of course, they have the benefit of helping reduce your electric bill, too.

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