Recycle Fluorescent Bulbs Recycle

Since August 1, 1994, it has been illegal to place fluorescent and/or high-intensity discharge lamps in the trash in Minnesota. The reason for this ban is because these lamps contain mercury. While fluorescent lamps are completely safe to use, they should be managed properly when you are finished using them. The fluorescent lamp disposal ban includes the following items:

• All shapes of fluorescent lamps
• Compact fluorescent lamps
• Mercury vapor lamps
• High pressure sodium lamps
• Metal halide lamps

Scott County collects used residential fluorescent lamps from homeowners at our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility throughout the year. This service is currently available at no charge to residents of Scott County.

Small Business Collection

In addition, the County also collects used fluorescent lamps from small businesses for a reasonable fee. These business bulb collection events are usually held on the first Tuesday of each month, via appointment only at the Scott County HHW Facility. Learn more information on this program.

Handling & Storage

Here are a few suggestions for handling and storing fluorescent lights after they have burned out:

• Do not break or crush lights, as this can cause mercury to be released into the environment.
• Store and transport used fluorescent bulbs in an enclosed box to prevent the bulbs from breaking.
• If lights are accidentally broken, leave the area and air it out for a few minutes before returning. Store the broken lamps in a sealed container until you can recycle them.

Mercury is part of what makes fluorescent lights work, so it can not be completely eliminated from that type of lights. By recycling our used fluorescent lights, we help keep mercury out of the environment. The mercury, glass and metal can then be reused in other products. So, bring your used fluorescent lamps and tubes to the Scott County HHW Facility for proper management and recycling!