How to dispose of fluorescent bulbs in St Paul, 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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St Paul basics
- County
- Ramsey County
- Primary ZIPs
- 55101, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106…
- Curbside schedule
- Weekly garbage (via assigned hauler), every-other-week recycling (Eureka Recycling), weekly organics (opt-in citywide since 2019). Look up your schedule at stpaul.gov.
- Bulk pickup
- Two free bulk-pickup vouchers per year per household through the city's assigned hauler. Items beyond that get scheduled à la carte; fees vary by hauler (typical $25-50 per item).
Where to dispose of fluorescent bulbs near St Paul
- 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 St Paul 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 St Paul, MN
Have a different item in St Paul?
The St Paul disposal hub lists curbside schedule, bulk-pickup policy, HHW facilities, and answers the most-asked questions for the city.
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