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All fluorescent lamps and certain other types of light bulbs contain mercury, and fluorescent lamps are the most common type of indoor light source for commercial and public buildings.
While mercury-containing bulbs are not banned in Washington under the Mercury Education and Reduction Act (MERA), they are required to be labeled with an Hg symbol.
Mercury-containing bulbs and tubes are safe in use. However, keep the mercury contained—use carefully, and recycle when spent. Energy efficiency is key to using less from mercury-emitting power sources and to protecting our climate.
Since January 1, 2004, mercury-containing lamps sold in Washington are required to have a mercury warning label stating that the product contains mercury and should be recycled. The label uses the international chemical symbol for mercury, Hg. When you see Hg, think "Handle Gently." 
There are many types of bulbs that contain mercury and need special attention:
For a detailed description on types of mercury-containing lamps and amount of mercury in them, go to the fact sheet titled “Mercury Use in Lighting,” from the Interstate Mercury Education and Reduction Clearinghouse.
Note that while low-mercury (or "green") lamps may contain less mercury, they still do contain mercury and should be recycled to protect the environment.
Mercury-containing light bulbs are safe through normal use. However, it is very important to keep the mercury contained inside them. Use them carefully, and recycle properly.
Fluorescents may be a transitional technology as other energy-efficient lighting becomes more available. Light Emitting Diodes, called LEDs, for instance, use no mercury, need only a tiny amount of energy, and last almost indefinitely. As more people invest in new technology, prices should come down.
Meanwhile, Ecology estimates that approximately 10 million lamps are disposed of to the trash yearly in Washington, amounting to some 400 to 500 pounds of toxic mercury released to the environment and accumulated in landfills. Two out of ten bulbs are now being recycled. See Light Bulb/ Lamp Recycling for more.
Bulb Clean-up gives you the steps to cleaning up a broken mercury-containing bulb.
Download a Printable Cleanup Card Post the seven steps to cleaning up a broken mercury-containing bulb somewhere where you will have it handy.
How to Build a Bulb Carrier Save your bulbs safely until your next trip to the recycler. Make your own bulb carrier from a reused six-pack beverage carrier. Download a label or order one.
Residents of Washington state call 1-800-RECYCLE or see click the link for locations. (When using the 1-800-Recycle pull-down menu, select "miscellaneous" as "Recyclable Material Category." Then select "fluorescent lights" as "Specific Material Type.") Only the City of Shoreline currently has curbside recycling of fluorescent bulbs in Washington.
How to Build a Bulb Carrier Save your bulbs safely until your next trip to the recycler. Make your own bulb carrier from a reused six-pack beverage carrier. Download a label or order one.
Regulated businesses should see the Hazardous Waste Service Providers Directory and Mercury Laws and Rules—Universal Waste Rules to learn about special rules that facilitate recycling of certain mercury-containing products, including mercury-containing lamps.
Washington State Department of Health provides information on lamps and other mercury-containing products.
The Environmental Protection Agency describes efforts towards increasing nation-wide lamp recycling.
Lamprecycle.org provides detailed information about lamp recycling, sponsored by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association to encourage the recycling of spent mercury-containing lamps.
Seattle City Light provides information about recycling compact fluorescent lamps
NEWMOA, an interstate association of eight northeastern states provides an excellent resource on recycling lamps.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
