Reader Heidi asked on our Facebook Wall where she can recycle light bulbs.

Good question! But first, we need to determine what type of light bulb you have.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) are better for the environment and you should be using them anyway. Since Heidi’s an active GPB reader, we’ll assume she uses them for now.

According to the EPA, On average, CFLs contain about four milligrams of mercury. Yet mercury can affect brains & nervous systems. Therefore, it’s best to take the effort to recycle them over tossing them in the trash. Try taking your CFLs to the following places in Philadelphia:

Where to Recycle Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) Light Bulbs in Philadelphia:

• Philadelphia HazWaste Events take Fluorescent Light Tubes (transport in original box if possible) and Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs). The Household HazWaste Events run throughout the year – Just check the Streets Department schedule.
• Home Depot has free CFL recycling in all US locations. (Philly: 2200 Oregon Ave,  2539 Castor Ave)
• Lowe’s has free CFL recycling in their store entrance. (South Philly: 2106 S Columbus Blvd)
• Ikea has CFL recycling, too. (2206 S Columbus Blvd)

Where to Recycle Single Use Light Bulbs in pHiladelphia:

For the Single Use Variety, the Philadelphia Street Department says to put them in the trash.

Or if you’re creative, you could make compact light bulbs mini-flower vases or salt & pepper shakers like Junk Mail Gems suggests.

Photo: Beanos

array(4) {
  [0]=>
  object(WP_Term)#10429 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(1899)
    ["name"]=>
    string(4) "CFLs"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(4) "cfls"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(1909)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(2)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
  [1]=>
  object(WP_Term)#12725 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(584)
    ["name"]=>
    string(12) "Philadelphia"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(12) "philadelphia"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(587)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(192)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
  [2]=>
  object(WP_Term)#12732 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(647)
    ["name"]=>
    string(9) "recycling"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(9) "recycling"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(651)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(46)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
  [3]=>
  object(WP_Term)#10436 (10) {
    ["term_id"]=>
    int(1848)
    ["name"]=>
    string(21) "Where Can I Wednesday"
    ["slug"]=>
    string(21) "where-can-i-wednesday"
    ["term_group"]=>
    int(0)
    ["term_taxonomy_id"]=>
    int(1858)
    ["taxonomy"]=>
    string(8) "post_tag"
    ["description"]=>
    string(0) ""
    ["parent"]=>
    int(0)
    ["count"]=>
    int(237)
    ["filter"]=>
    string(3) "raw"
  }
}

Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher