See the following brochures for more information: Be Green, See Green with Fluorescent Light Bulbs (PDF) or Frequently Asked Questions about Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Mercury (PDF). To view these publications, you will need to have Adobe Reader installed on your computer.
HOW: Remove from lighting appliance. Take care not to break them.
WHAT NOT: Do not include lamp fixtures or other types of light bulbs.
WHY: Fluorescent lamps contain small quantities of mercury which may create potential adverse health effects if released into the environment. By recycling these lamps, the mercury is removed and recovered for reuse while the balance of the materials are either recycled or disposed of according to federal and state environmental regulations.
WHERE: Unbroken compact fluorescent bulbs may be taken to the returns desk of any Home Depot Store. See individual store for details. You may also take fluorescent bulbs to the I-66 Transfer Station Complex and the I-95 Landfill Complex household hazardous waste sites during scheduled dates and times only. Call 703-324-5230, TTY 711 for more information.
NOTE: Businesses may NOT take fluorescent bulbs or other hazardous materials to these locations. For more information, see business hazardous waste as well as the BUSINESS TIP, below.
BUSINESS TIP: Fairfax County’s Facilities Management Division purchases “green tip” fluorescent lamps containing the least amount of mercury in this product. The FMD Director states that the county "demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship by focusing on the appropriate management of mercury in the lamps while supporting ‘green purchasing’ policies. This is a good program for businesses to adopt to prevent pollution in the county.” For additional information about the county fluorescent lamp recycling program, call 703-293-8060, TTY 711.