Recycling Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
All retail stores that sell fluorescent bulbs in Madison and unincorporated areas of Dane
County are required to accept fluorescent bulbs for recycling, but not all are aware of the
requirement.
Beginning in 2002, Dane County landfills stopped accepting fluorescent bulbs due to
concerns that the mercury in them would be introduced into the sewer system, according
to Madison recycling coordinator George Dreckmann.
Retail stores are allowed to charge a reasonable fee for the service, but it should only
cover the costs.
Compact fluorescent bulbs can be recycled for free at participating retail stores across the
State through the State Focus on Energy program.
To report a retailer in Madison who will not accept fluorescent bulbs for recycling, call
Madison recycling coordinator, George Dreckmann at 608-267-2626. If you want to
report a retailer and live in Dane County but outside of an incorporated town or city, call
Dane County recycling manager John Welch at 608-267-8815.
To find a fluorescent bulb recycling location anywhere in Wisconsin, point your browser
to the Focus on Energy retailer search at www.focusonenergy.com/Resources.