| For individuals |
|---|
| General information / Disposal, recycling and cleanup of bulbs |
| Local government recycling contacts |
| For businesses |
| Waste regulations |
| Recycling and disposal tips |
| Recycling vendors |
| Resources |
| Energy Star: CFLs |
| Change a Light Campaign |
| Virginia Information Source for Energy |
| Mercury in Virginia's environment |
| Contacts |
| Christine Arcari DEQ Universal Waste Coordinator (804) 698-4219 |
| Steve Coe DEQ Recycling and Litter Prevention Manager (804) 698- 4029 |
Fluorescent lights
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality encourages businesses and the public to recycle wastes when possible.
Individuals in Virginia are not required by regulations to recycle fluorescent lights. However, businesses must recycle the lights or handle them as hazardous wastes.
Recycling traditional fluorescent lights and compact fluorescent light bulbs is especially important because they contain small amounts of mercury. Compact fluorescent lights are energy-efficient bulbs that can be used in most household lamps.
Individuals, homeowners
Most counties or cities host household hazardous waste recycling events at which residents can leave certain materials, including compact florescent lights, for recycling. Please contact your local government for more information on these events.
In some cases, companies that recycle lights for businesses also may accept bulbs from homeowners for recycling.
If these options are not available to you, it may be appropriate to save dead compact fluorescent light bulbs and wait for recycling opportunities to expand.
Businesses
Businesses are required by Virginia’s laws and regulations to recycle fluorescent lights or handle them as hazardous wastes. Additional information is available on DEQ’s waste and pollution prevention websites.