CFL and Fluorescent Tube Recycling

Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) light bulbs and fluorescent tubes contain mercury, which can pose health hazards and environmental harm, so they should not be thrown away. Instead, drop off CFL lights for safe disposal at the Factoria Transfer Station (info below).

Recycle fluorescent light bulbs and tubes at the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off in Bellevue

Factoria Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off | 13800 SE 32nd St. Bellevue, WA, 98005 | Tues-Fri 8-4, Sat-Sun 9-5

Up to 10 fluorescent tubes, HID bulbs, and CFL bulbs per day (NO incandescent, halogen or LED bulbs)
Other recycle services at this location: oil-based paint recycling, appliance recycling, scrap metal recycling, and clothing recycling

Only CFL bulbs, fluorescent tubes and HID bulbs contain mercury and need special disposal. Other bulbs are not hazardous. Throw away incandescent, LED and halogen bulbs in your home garbage. CFL bulbs are usually a corkscrew shape or have loops.

Recycle CFL Bulbs at City Drop-Offs

As of August 19, 2026, the City of Kirkland accepts mercury-containing light bulbs for recycling at the same drop-off location as battery recycling: the lower lobby of City Hall.

Accepted:

CFL bulbs
HID bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs

Not accepted:

LED bulbs
Incandescent bulbs
Halogen bulbs

The City is partnering with LightRecycle Washington to safely recycle these bulbs. Collected mercury-containing lights are transported to an authorized recycling facility, where trained workers sort and process the bulbs using specialized equipment.

Fluorescent tubes and most other accepted lights are crushed in a machine, allowing the glass, metal, and other components to be separated for recycling. Workers use appropriate protective equipment to safely handle the materials and protect against mercury exposure.

What to Do with LED and Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent lightbulbs and LED bulbs should be thrown away in the garbage. These kinds of bulbs do not pose health hazards.

Recycle Fluorescent Tubes

Fluorescent tube lights are accepted at fewer locations because they are more likely to break, which releases the hazardous mercury.

Drop off fluorescent tubes at hazardous waste events

Traveling Wastemobile | various locations, often in Redmond | Fri-Sun, 10-5

Fluorescent Lights Contain Mercury

Mercury is a toxic metal and potent neurotoxin that accumulates in our bodies and the environment. When mercury-containing lights break, mercury is released into the environment. Although a single fluorescent light contains a very small amount of mercury, millions of these lights are sold every year in Washington State. To protect public health and the environment, Washington State law requires that all mercury-containing lights be recycled.

Switch to LEDs with PSE

Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED bulbs use at least 80 percent less energy while lasting 13-25 years longer. PSE offers instant rebates on LED lights at participating stores in King County and through their online storefront. See their guide for choosing the right shape and color light for your space. LED technology has advanced since they were introduced. Dimmable and 3-way LEDs are available, as well as specialty bulbs.