Compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs, are much more energy efficient than regular incandescent bulbs, but they contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – an average of 5 milligrams, or the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen.
No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use, so proper handling and disposal eliminates any mercury risk, according to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
It’s against the law in New Hampshire to dispose of any mercury-containing products in landfills, incinerators or transfer stations, but you can take them to local recycling facilities and participating retail stores, or to a hazardous waste collection site. These recommendations apply to all fluorescent bulbs, including tube lamps. To find out which towns accept CFLs at their recycling/transfer facilities, call 271-3503.
New Hampshire’s Department of Environmental Services has partnered with True Value Hardware to allow CFLs to be recycled for free at the following stores, including Rocky's Hardware on Loudon Road.