Fluorescent lamps have been touted for their energy efficiency and longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs. However, each bulb contains a small amount of mercury, making their disposal an environmental issue. If thrown in with regular trash, broken bulbs could leach mercury into the groundwater, eventually contaminating our water supply. Fortunately, fluorescent bulbs can be recycled.
City of Durango's Fluorescent Bulb Recycling Program
Accepted bulbs:
- fluorescent tubes
- U-shaped fluorescent bulbs and odd shaped fluorescent tubes
Fluorescent Bulbs are accepted at the Durango Recycle Center on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm
Maximum of 8 bulbs accepted per drop-off
The following fees apply:
- $1.00 per four foot bulb and $2.00 per eight foot bulb (and oddly shaped bulbs).
Commercial Recycling:
- Commercial quantities (more than 8 bulbs) no longer accepted
- Call 375-5004 for information on disposal
In addition, compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL's) can be recycled elsewhere around the City of Durango free of charge.
The following local businesses accept spent, unbroken CFL's for recycling:
| Home Depot | 1301 S. Camino Del Rio
259-7954 |
| Kroeger's Ace Hardware | 8 Town Plaza
247-0660 |