It is unlawful for Californians to dispose of any lamps containing mercury in their regular solid waste trash. The lamps affected by this law include fluorescent (full size and compact), metal halide, sodium lamps, and mercury vapor lamps. This article discussed proper CFL disposal.
Dispose of CFLs Properly
To help you adhere to the law, SDG&E® is providing the following
recommended guidelines, as well as a list of resources for disposal when the time comes to replace your CFLs.
- Do not place lamps containing mercury into your blue solid waste recycling bin. Check with your local waste management agency or municipal government entity to find out where to take these items in your area.
- Prior to drop-off at city recycling centers, place the bulb in a sealed plastic bag to reduce the risk of bulb breakage or contamination and to protect yourself from potential cuts.
- If your bulb breaks, your greatest risk is of being cut by broken glass. Handle it sensibly and sweep up all of the glass fragments. Don’t vacuum, because that can disperse particles. 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 powder. Continue to properly recycle broken lamps just as you would unbroken ones.
CFL Recycling Locations:
Online at lamprecycle.org
IKEA
2149 Fenton Parkway
San Diego CA 92108
Home Depot (20 locations within SDG&E's service territory)
http://www.homedepot.com/ecooptions
