Did you know that all fluorescent lamps contain mercury? By using more energy efficient lighting and recycling old bulbs, businesses and residents will save energy and help reduce air and water pollution.

Recycle All Fluorescent Lamps

All fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and should be recycled. You can help prevent further entries of mercury into our Bay by recycling all your fluorescent lamps.

In San Mateo County, has compiled a list of lamp recyclers for businesses. Residents can recycle their fluorescent lamps at Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Sites, operated by the San Mateo County Environmental Health HHW Program. Call the HHW Information Line at (650) 363-4718 to schedule an appointment or schedule an appointment online for the next collection event.

Buy Flourescent Lamps

Choose fluorescent lamps over incandescent. The average incandescent bulb is less energy efficient than a fluorescent lamp leading to higher energy use, increased energy costs and, a greater, negative environmental impact. By switching to fluorescent lamps, both businesses and residents can save money and reduce both air and water pollution.

All Flourescent Lamps Contain Mercury!

Mercury, a highly toxic metal, is a pollutant of concern for San Francisco Bay. The California Environmental Protection Agency has listed the Bay as impaired due to elevated mercury levels found in fish tissue.

Buy Low Mercury Fluorescent Lamps

Major lighting manufacturers now produce fluorescent lamps with approximately 80% less mercury than the standard fluorescent lamp. Less mercury used in the production phase means less mercury in our water and environment. Low mercury lamps can be found or ordered in most hardware and lighting stores. Look for these three brands:

• General Electric "Ecolux"
• Philips "Alto"
• Sylvania "Ecologic"

Learn more about how to clean up a mercury spill.