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Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)

The recommendations on these pages apply to all mercury-containing light bulbs.  Read a full list of which bulbs contain mercury.

CFLs can help you save money, use less energy, reduce light bulb changes, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Learn more about energy-efficient lighting choices at EnergyStar.gov
  • Read Energy Star questions and answers about CFLs
  • Report defective CFLs via email to EnergyStar.

Cleaning up a Broken CFL

Broken CFL
  • What to do when a CFL breaks
  • View frequently asked questions about CFLs from EnergyStar

CFL Recycling and Disposal

Girl recycling a CFL
  • Where to recycle/dispose of CFLs after they burn out
  • Why recycling CFLs is important
  • Proper maintenance, removal, and disposal of PCB-containing fluorescent light ballasts (FLBs) in schools
  • Disposal requirements for PCB-containing FLBs

Light Bulb Phase-Out

Incandescent Bulb
  • 2007 light bulb law - the basics

CFLs and Mercury

Using CFLs saves you money
  • Learn about the connections between CFLs and mercury

Shopping for Light Bulbs

Part of the new light bulb labels
  • What you need to know when choosing light bulbs (FTC.gov)
  • Lighting Facts labels that help you compare different bulbs:
    • Light bulb label
    • Label for bulbs containing mercury

CFLs and UV Radiation

CFL Radiating Light
Information from:
  • EnergyStar.gov
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • European Commission Scientific Committees (PDF) 

Couldn't locate something you expected to find on this page?  Contact the webmaster, providing the page URL (epa.gov/cfl) and the content you thought would be here.

Requirements for Businesses

Businesses considered universal waste handlers under RCRA must meet certain storage, transportation and disposal requirements for CFLs and other bulbs that contain mercury. Learn more on the EPA universal wastes website.

LED Recycling and Disposal

  • Do LEDs Need To Be Recycled Like CFLs Or Other Electronics?
  • Learn About LED Lighting
When a CFL breaks in your home, one of the most important things you can do is...

 

B is the correct answer.

YES TO AIRING OUT: If a CFL breaks at home, one of the best things you can do is air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor environment. Learn the most important steps to take.

NO TO VACUUMING: Vacuuming is not recommended unless broken glass remains after all other cleanup steps have been taken. Vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder or mercury vapor.

 

Hey... No Peeking!

You need to select an answer to the question before we'll show you the right answer...

Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
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Last updated on September 29, 2021