Fluorescent Bulb Recycling

Light bulb recycling is part of NISWMD's Household Problem 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.

Bulbs are transferred to a processor where they are placed in a pressurized machine that breaks the glass and removes the powder by vacuum. All clean glass and metal tips are then recycled into a variety of products. Mercury is extracted from the powder and sent to a refiner while the remaining powder is used as filler in concrete.

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 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