Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) contain a small amount of mercury, making proper disposal crucial. A major home improvement retailer provides a mechanism for customers to responsibly discard these used light bulbs. This service aims to prevent environmental contamination by facilitating the safe collection and processing of expired CFLs.
The availability of accessible recycling programs at retail locations offers significant environmental advantages. By diverting mercury-containing bulbs from landfills, potential leaching into soil and water systems is reduced. This proactive approach supports public health and minimizes the ecological footprint associated with widespread CFL usage. Historically, the absence of such programs resulted in increased mercury pollution from discarded bulbs.