Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL) Recycling

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, or CFL's, have become widely popular for their environmental and financial benefits of saving energy. Although beneficial, CFL's do contain a small amount of mercury, which is hazardous to humans and the environment. Disposing of CFL's correctly is crucial.

Charleston County recycles CFL light bulbs, and residents can bring their old CFL light bulbs to one of the eight Convenience Centers located throughout the County that accepts CFL's (see below).

The emission of mercury into our environment is very dangerous and can cause health problems amongst humans. Dispose of your CFL bulbs correctly and safely by ensuring the bulbs do not break. For more information on how to correctly dispose of CFL bulbs, contact the Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's mercury Web page.
 
 

Why can't CFL light bulbs be picked up with curbside recycling?

Curbside collection cannot not pick up CFL's at the curb because CFL's have a high probability of breaking and releasing mercury into our trucks. Drivers exposed to mercury are in danger of negative health risks. Like for all hazardous materials, we need each resident to act responsibly and bring them to Charleston County's Environmental Management Convenience Centers.
 
 

CFL bulbs accepted at the following locations:

Hours:

Bees Ferry Convenience Center (staffed center):
Nov. 1 through March 1
Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
Except Sundays, open 1 - 6 p.m.

March 2 through Oct. 31
Open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily
Except Sundays, open 1 - 7 p.m.

Charleston County Recycling Center (13 Romney Street, downtown Charleston):
Monday-Friday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday

All Other Convenience Centers (staffed centers):
Nov. 1 through March 1
Open 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
Except Wednesdays and Sundays, open 1 - 6 p.m.

March 2 through Oct. 31
Open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily
Except Wednesdays and Sundays, open 1 - 7 p.m.

West Ashley
Bees Ferry Road Convenience Center
1344 Bees Ferry Road, 29414

Awendaw
Maxville Road Convenience Center
6380 Maxville Road, 29429

McClellanville
River Road Convenience Center
1775 River Road, 29458

Edisto Island
Edisto Convenience Center
2844 Highway 174, 29438

Wadmalaw
Wadmalaw Convenience Center
1558 Liberia Road, 29487

Hollywood
Hollywood Convenience Center
5305 Highway 165, 29449

Adams Run
Adams Run Convenience Center
8326 Old Jacksonboro Road, 29426