Fluorescent Bulb Recycling

Bulb recycling is part of NISWMD's Household Hazardous Waste Program.

Although fluorescent and other mercury vapor bulbs contain mercury and require special handling and disposal, they are more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and often last much longer. Mercury vapors immediately release upon breakage and can contaminate the air we breathe. Never break or crush the bulbs. Carefully package and recycle at the NISWMD on Friday mornings between 8:00 and noon. A small fee has been established to defray the cost of handling, transportation and recovery.

The District works with AirCycle to recycle bulbs. Once bulbs are processed at the District utilizing a self-contained system, they are transported in drums to AirCycle. The crushed material is separated and refined to create viable products for a variety of uses.

Fluorescent Bulbs

U Bulbs- $0.48 each

Compact Bulbs- $0.48 each

Circular Bulbs - $0.48 each

Vapor or Metal Halide (HID) Bulbs- $0.99 each

Fluorescent Tubes & Tanning Bulbs- $0.07 per foot (4ft. = $0.28)

Please note that bulbs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Those listed above do not cover the entire spectrum of fluorescent lighting. This is the residential portion of the program, business and industry click here. NISWMD is not equipped to process credit or debit cards. All fees must be paid with cash or check. If you have any questions about the above pricing or identification of bulbs, please contact Northeast Indiana Solid Waste Management District at

(800)-777-5462 or e-mail info@niswmd.org