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

The City will be temporarily closing the drop-off collection site at City Hall for mercury containing CFL light bulbs as of January 23rd, 2026. The reason is the collection program for these bulbs is temporarily not accepting bulbs.

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.