Lights that contain mercury (look for the Hg element symbol) should not be thrown in the trash. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL), high-intensity discharge lights (HID), and fluorescent tubes all fall into this category. Please dispose of them properly.

Recycle:

Fluorescent tubes contain mercury, which is hazardous to human and environmental health.

Preparation instructions

Package mercury lights carefully to prevent breakage. Do not break mercury lights. If a light accidentally breaks, seal it in a plastic bag or container and bring it to a collection site. Keep lights dry. Wet lights may be rejected. Do not tape lights.

  • LEDs, Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs-the small, curly ones), fluorescent tubes, incandescent (old-timey), halogen, flood lights:
    Ridwell subscription service
  • CFLs and HID bulbs only:
    Bainbridge Disposal Transfer Station – unlimited amount; drop off at check-in shed, free drop-off
    Home Depot – unlimited amount, drop off in plastic bag in designated container, free drop-off
  • Linear fluorescent tubes (pin-based)
     Hansville Transfer Station – 15 max per day, per person, free drop-off
  • String lights
    Bainbridge Disposal Transfer Station– Put in scrap metal dumpster. There may be a charge.
    Bainbridge Island Ace Hardware – Free drop-off between mid-November to mid-January. They are then picked up by a Kingston metal recycler.

Last updated 4/30/2026