Mercury-Added Fluorescent Tubes & Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) State Law
All mercury-added products, including fluorescent tubes and CFLs, are prohibited by law from being disposed in the trash or curbside recycling (Massachusetts (MGL) Chapter 21H, section 6). These can be recycled at the Residential Drop-Off Center.
Braintree Residential Drop-Off Center
Please bring these lamps and tubes to the Residential Drop-Off Center at 257 Ivory Street or bring to the Town of Braintree Household Hazardous Waste Event.
Braintree accepts CFLs, fluorescent tubes and mercury bearing waste in a dedicated shed at the Recycling Center. Mercury information is located on the Massachusetts DEP website.
Stores Accepting CFLs for Recycling
All hardware stores, Home Depot, Lowe's, IKEA and Whole Foods stores accept CFLs for recycling.
CFL Safety Handling
Handle CFLs by their base to avoid breakage. Occasional broken bulbs may go in the trash. CFLs each contain about 4 milligrams (milligrams) of mercury. A fever thermometer contains about 1000 milligrams. If one CFL breaks, don't panic.