Occasionally, Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) burn out. Please don’t throw them out in the trash. CFLs contain small amounts of mercury, which isn’t good for the environment or human beings. If you throw your CFL into the trash, it is likely to end up in a landfill. The bulb is likely to be broken. The mercury is likely to seep into the ground. Rain is likely to carry the mercury to streams. The streams carry the mercury to crops which you eat and water that you drink.
There are locations in every state that will take back your CFLs. Just check this guide:
Mercury-Containing Light Bulb (Lamp) Collection and Recycling Programs Where You Live
(See your tax dollars go to good use at the EPA.)
Also, most hardware store like ACE, Home Depot and Lowes will take your CFLs and recycle them for you.
