Fluorescent and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps contain toxic mercury; do not throw them out with the regular trash. While the Universal Waste regulations allow disposal of a few bulbs with household or small business trash, we must collect all of these at FGCU for recycling.  

• Recycling facilities request that you do not tape lamps together for storage or shipment.

• Placing the old bulb in the packaging from the new bulb is a good start, then store where it will not be broken.

• Keep the box closed except when actually adding lamps.

• Label the lamps or each container as "Spent Mercury-Containing Lamps for Recycling" or “Universal Waste Mercury Lamps”, or “Waste (or Used) Mercury Lamps”. 

How to Clean Up a Broken Fluorescent Bulb

If lamps are accidentally broken, immediately contain the broken lamps and store them in a tightly sealed container or impervious bag. Mark the container as “Broken Spent Mercury-Containing Lamps For Recycling”.