Fluorescent bulbs, whether long and slim or short and curly or round and tubular, need to be disposed of properly because of the mercury vapor in them. We don't want you to put them in your regular garbage, because they will break and release that mercury vapor. What you CAN do is bring ANY light bulb to us -- incandescent AND fluorescent -- and we'll make sure they get disposed of properly! The best part -- we'll take them from residents free!
We work with Metro Waste Authority's Regional Collection Center in Bondurant to recycle all fluorescent bulbs turned in to us. It's a part of our household hazardous material program, so it doesn't cost you anything at the time of disposal; it's one of the services we provide for your per capita fee.
To learn more about recycling fluorescent bulbs, visit the EPA's website on this topic:
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/wastetypes/universal/lamps/faqs.htm#households
If you are a business, you can call one of three disposal places:
A-Tec Recycling runs a regular route through the Ames area and
will pick up your bulbs for a fee.