How to dispose of fluorescent bulbs in Bloomington, MN
Every fluorescent bulb (CFL or tube) contains mercury and is federally regulated as universal waste (40 CFR 273). Recycling is required. Free drop-off at Home Depot, Lowe's, IKEA (CFLs only) or any county HHW facility. LED bulbs do not contain mercury and are trash-safe.
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Bloomington basics
- County
- Hennepin County
- Primary ZIPs
- 55420, 55425, 55431, 55435, 55437, 55438
- Curbside schedule
- Weekly garbage, every-other-week recycling, weekly organics (opt-in). All handled by Republic Services under city contract. Find your day at bloomingtonmn.gov.
- Bulk pickup
- Two free bulk-pickup items per year for Bloomington households. Additional items via Republic Services at typical $25-40 per item. Schedule online at bloomingtonmn.gov.
Where to dispose of fluorescent bulbs near Bloomington
- 1
Home Depot, Lowe's, IKEA
Every major hardware retailer in MN takes CFLs free at the customer service counter. No appointment. Bag intact bulbs in their original packaging or a plastic bag for transport.
- 2
Hennepin or Ramsey County HHW
Both Hennepin facilities (Brooklyn Park, Bloomington) and Ramsey County HHW accept all fluorescent bulbs — including long T8/T12 tubes that most retailers won't take. Wrap tubes in their original sleeve or bubble wrap.
- 3
Broken bulb cleanup
Open windows for 10 minutes, leave the room, then scoop fragments with stiff paper or cardboard, use tape for small pieces, wipe area with damp paper towel. Seal in a glass jar labeled "BROKEN FLUORESCENT — HHW" and take to HHW.
Read the complete fluorescent bulb disposal guide
The Bloomington options above are the local cut. For the full breakdown — chemistry, safety prep, federal + state rules, and the longer list of national take-back programs — read the complete guide:
Fluorescent bulb disposal — full guide →All disposal guides for Bloomington, MN
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