Disposing of fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or fluorescent tubes through a collection program is required due to the presence of mercury, a hazardous material that can be harmful to your health and the environment. Mercury containing bulbs will have the symbol for mercury “Hg” stamped on them. These types of bulbs should be managed through a household hazardous waste program like the Environmental Center.

When transporting CFLs for recycling, handle them with care to avoid breakage. Place them in a sealed container or the original packaging to prevent mercury vapor release if they break.

Incandescent bulbs are traditional filament style light bulbs that have been used for decades. While they are not as energy efficient as CFLs or LEDs, they are still found in many households.

When it comes to disposing of incandescent bulbs, it's important to note that they do not contain hazardous materials like mercury. However, most contain a small amount of metal solder which can contain lead. Incandescent bulbs can be recycled at participating drop off locations like the Environmental Center.

Halogen bulbs are a type of incandescent light bulb. Both halogen and incandescent bulbs contain a tungsten filament, which produces light when electrical current passes through it. In an incandescent bulb, this tungsten evaporates over time and attaches itself to the surface of the light bulb where it creates black spots on the interior of the glass. This is why incandescent bulbs burn out so quickly.

Halogen bulbs contain a halogen gas which reacts chemically with the evaporated tungsten to redeposit the tungsten atoms on the filament, preventing them from adhering to the bulb's glass. This process allows the filament to last much longer. It also makes it possible for the filament to get much hotter, resulting in more light per unit of energy. To compensate for this high level of heat, the glass envelope used in halogens is made of quartz rather than glass.

Halogen bulbs do not contain mercury, any harmful components, or any materials that can be recycled, they are safe to throw in the trash.

LEDs are more energy-efficient and longer-lasting than incandescent and CFL bulbs. They also do not contain hazardous materials, but they do contain a very small electrical circuit that can be recycled through electronic waste (e-waste) recycling programs, including the Environmental Center.

While red neon lights do not contain mercury, almost every other “neon light” color uses argon, mercury, phosphor, and other noble gases. Most neon lights are in the form of a sign or other decorative display. Neon lights should not be placed in the garbage, bring them to the Environmental Center instead.

HID lights are known for their high efficiency and long lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. They produce a bright, intense light that closely resembles natural daylight, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. HID lights also have some drawbacks, including containing hazardous materials such as mercury. This type of bulb cannot be placed in the trash or a recycling bin. They should be brought to a household hazardous waste program like the Environmental Center.

Many light fixtures include glass that is not recyclable. If you’d like to drop off a metal light fixture at a recycling site, make sure to remove any light bulbs and glass before you arrive. Place the glass in the trash and bring the light bulbs to the Environmental Center. The fixture’s metal components  are acceptable in scrap metal bins at all of Carver County’s recycling drop off sites.

If you're planning on bringing your items to the Environmental Center, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

• Handle with care. When handling light bulbs, especially CFLs and fluorescent tubes, it's essential to do so with care to prevent breakage. Mercury vapor can be released if these bulbs break, posing health risks. If a bulb does break, follow proper cleanup procedures to minimize exposure. https://www.epa.gov/mercury/cleaning-broken-cfl
• Prepare bulbs for recycling. Before taking your bulbs to the recycling center, package them securely and separate them from other materials, like batteries, to prevent breakage during transport. You can use original packaging if available or pack the bulbs in a container with newspaper or bubble wrap.
• Transport safely. When transporting light bulbs to the recycling center, handle them carefully to avoid damage. Place them securely in your vehicle to prevent tipping or breakage during transit.
• Drop off. Once you've arrived at the Environmental Center, notify staff that you have light bulbs, and they’ll provide instructions.