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Cleanup and Safety

Broken light bulbs are a rare occurrence in most homes, but accidents do happen.  Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain a small amount of mercury--about 4-6mg per bulb is typical.  This is about 100-times less than the amount in a typical mercury thermometer, but when handling any toxic heavy metal, you should exercise proper caution and responsibility.  If a bulb is breaks in your home, you should use care and follow the EPA’s cleanup guidelines for CFLs. 

Contact the Dubuque Regional Collection Center (563-557-1838) for proper disposal and/or recycling guidelines.  You must make an appointment to drop off bulbs. 

If you don’t live in the Dubuque area, check www.earth911.org to find the waste disposal/recovery center nearest you. 

Recycling and Proper Disposal

If CFLs are properly recycled, the mercury they contain can be recovered and reused.  This prevents the release of mercury into our environment.  Read this EPA fact sheet for more information on the potential for CFLs to reduce mercury emissions by reducing the burning of fossil fuels.

Dubuquers can recycle their burned-out CFLs at the Dubuque Regional Collection Center on Hwy 20 in downtown Dubuque.  Be sure to give them a call at 563-557-1838 to make an appointment first.  Click here for a map to the collection center. 

Here’s a simple tip to help keep CFLs out of your trashcan.  Wherever you currently store your light bulbs (e.g. closet or garage), add a sturdy shoebox labeled “Used CFLs” next to the spare bulbs.  Line the box with an old rag, towel, or t-shirt (for padding), and store burned-out CFLs inside it until you get around to taking them to the Dubuque Regional Collection Center, or until the city has a collection day.