Fluorescent light bulbs use less electricity than a standard incandescent bulb, last longer, and give off less heat, making them a cost-effective lighting alternative to regular incandescent bulbs. However, fluorescent lamps do contain mercury and should not be thrown away in the trash.
Palm Beach County residents can bring fluorescent bulbs and an array of mercury-containing devices such as thermostats, thermometers, electrical switches and liquid mercury, to any of seven Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County Home Chemical and Recycling Centers.
The SWA’s locations include (from north county to south county):
Commercial quantities of items that contain mercury may require special disposal. Call 561-687-1100 for details on recycling mercury and mercury containing devices from your business.
In the last fiscal year, Palm Beach County residents recycled 47,242 pounds of fluorescent bulbs and 24 pounds of mercury. Each year, the SWA’s Home Chemical and Recycling Centers either recycles or safely disposes of 4.2M pounds of household hazardous wastes.
Remember, pollution prevention starts at home. A full list of household hazardous wastes can be found at SWA.org/HCRC or call 561-697-2700 or 866-SWA-INFO (toll-free) to learn more about the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County’s Home Chemical and Recycling Centers.
