Another Bright Idea
Where to Recycle Fluorescent Lamps • CFL Benefits • FAQ’s • How to Safely Clean up Broken CFLs • How to Become a Collection Site • Info for Participating Retailers • Project Partners • Contact Information
Businesses and households have utilized fluorescent lamps for their lighting needs for many years. More recently, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have gained in popularity as people become aware of the energy and cost savings. CFLs are miniature versions of full-sized fluorescent bulbs, using 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs while providing an equal amount of light.
To encourage the use and safe disposal of these energy-saving lamps, WasteCap Nebraska has partnered with other agencies and private businesses to create a network of locations where old fluorescent lamps can be dropped off to be recycled. It’s Another Bright Idea!
Why not just throw fluorescent lamps in the trash?
All fluorescent lamps, including ”green tips” and CFLs, contain mercury, a potent neurotoxin that can be harmful to the environment and human health. Tossing them into the garbage can result in inhaling of mercury vapors or cause toxins to seep into the community’s groundwater supply. To learn more, visit the Web site of the Environmental Protection Agency.
How much will it cost to recycle?
The Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) has funded Another Bright Idea, a program of WasteCap Nebraska, to create a network of fluorescent lamp recycling locations throughout the State of Nebraska. The grant funds allow CFL recycling for FREE, but there is a charge for recycling other fluorescent lamps. The amount you will be charged for those lamps depends on the specific location and other factors; however you can be sure that you are doing the right thing for Nebraska by recycling!
Where can I go to recycle?
Click on the city below to find a recycling location near you! Contact us if you can’t find a location near you and we’ll work hard to establish one. And visit this Web site frequently because we’ll be adding new locations to the list as they become available.