These bulbs contain mercury and should be recycled:
- Compact fluorescent bulbs (all sizes)
- Fluorescent bulbs of all shapes and sizes (tubes, circles, U-shaped, bug “zappers”, tanning lamps, and black lights)
- High intensity discharge (HID) lamps, typically used for exterior lighting (metal halide, mercury vapor and high pressure sodium)
- Neon lights
Halogen bulbs do not contain mercury, and along with incandescent bulbs are safe to throw in the trash. The new LED bulbs will be safe to throw in the trash too, but they can probably be recycled as an electronic item, which would likely be better.
Residents are strongly encouraged to recycle all mercury containing lamps using the residential programs listed below. For most businesses these are regulated as universal waste and are required to be recycled by law. Businesses can recycle any of these at Springfield Electric for a fee.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) are quickly growing in use among McLean County households due to their great energy saving capabilities. CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs, last up to ten times longer and can save $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb’s lifetime. However, disposal of expired bulbs is a concern due to the small amount of mercury contained in each bulb.
When recycled, CFLs will have all mercury, lead, and electronic components recycled for reuse.
Local CFL recycling drop off locations are:
Town of Normal, Facilities Management Parking Lot
Green receptacle located at 207 S. Linden (across from Vitesse Cycle) accessible 24 hours a day
Residents are asked to wrap CFLs in newspaper or replace in original packaging before recycling to reduce breakage.
City of Bloomington Public Service – Drop Off Facility
Blue receptacle located in compound 402 S. East St (behind Bloomington Public Library). Hours vary seasonally; consult www.cityblm.org or call 309-434-2225 for current hours of operation.
Residents are asked to wrap CFLs in newspaper or replace in original packaging before recycling to reduce breakage.
Springfield Electric 902 Four Seasons Rd, Bloomington, 309-663-5331
CFLs accepted for recycling during regular business hours only: Monday–Friday 7:00 am–5:00 pm. They will charge a small fee for fluorescent tubes.
Home Depot 795 Veteran’s Pkwy, Bloomington, 309-452-4031. Bring to an associate in the electrical department during store hours. Monday-Saturday 6:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 8:00am-8:00pm.
Menards 900 Greenbriar Dr, Normal, 309-452-6467. Bring to electrical desk during store hours. Monday-Saturday 6:30am-10:00pm, Sunday 8:00am-8:00pm.
Lowes 2101 E Empire St, Bloomington, 309-661-6467. Drop-off inside store. Monday-Saturday 6:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 8:00am-8:00pm.
