Hendricks County Solid Waste Management District

Answer:  Compact flourescent light bulbs (CFLs) are energy-effiecient, money-saving replacements for traditional incandescent light bulbs.  CFLs cost a little more at the register, but they provide a savings over the life of the bulb. 

CFLs do contain a small amout of mercury, an average of five milligrams of mercury, enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen.  A watch battery contains about five times as much mercury.  The mercury is not emitted when CFLs are in use.

CFLs and other flourescent light bulbs, such as four or eight foot tubes, should not be disposed of in the trash--doing so will allow the mercury contained in the bulbs to escape into the environment.  Instead, all flourescent light bulbs should be recycled. 

The District accepts CFLs and all other types of flourescent light bulbs during the Tox-Away Day events.