Residence Life CFL Recycling 

Belmont University Residence Life will provide a free recycling service for Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs).  CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury (about 4 milligrams on average) sealed within glass tubing, so they should not be disposed of in receptacles meant for everyday trash.  Mercury is an element found naturally in the environment, and it is found in common household items like electronics, appliances and pesticides. If released, mercury's vapors can harm people and pollute the environment, which is why recycling is encouraged for CFLs.

How the CFL Recycling Service Works

CFLs need to be collected in a sealed container so mercury isn't released if a bulb breaks.  Residence Life will provide a large, blue CFL recycling bin in complex lobbies of freshman residence halls, as well as the Wright/Maddox lobby.  When a CFL recycling bin is full, an Rd will coordinate with the Plant Operations department in order to access the Maintenance Recycling Area.  Plant Operations will then complete the recycling process for the bulbs.