Compact fluorescent light bulbs last longer and use less energy; however, they do contain a small trace of mercury (about 5 milligrams). CFLs should be recycled when they burn out. If a bulb breaks: open windows to vent room, turn off heat or A/C blowers, scoop broken glass using stiff paper or cardboard and place into a plastic bag. Use sticky tape to pick up any small fragments. Wipe area with damp paper towel. Place tape and towel in plastic bag with broken glass, seal and dispose. Vacuum only if needed, after all visible material is removed. Then put vacuum bag or vacuum debris into sealed bag before disposal. CFLs can be brought to Barron Electric for recycling. For a list of businesses that recycle, visit http://www.focusonenergy.com/Residential/Lighting/cfl_recycling.aspx

Since LED bulbs don’t contain mercury and are not considered a hazardous material, they may be safely recycled. Return burned out LED light bulbs to the hardware store or online company where purchased, if the company has a recycling or replacement program.