Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and fluorescent tubes are serious energy savers and environmentally preferred. However, while safe and efficient to operate, CFLs and fluorescents tubes contain trace amounts of mercury so when thrown in the trash or broken, they can potentially harm the environment, human health and especially trash collectors. The good news is that fluorescent lights are 100 percent recyclable and safe for public use when disposed of properly. So be sure to recycle your burned out CFLs.
Xcel Energy and Ace Hardware Stores have partnered to recycle CFL bulbs. You may take your compact "curly cue" fluorescent bulbs and mercury-containing thermostats for free recycling drop-off at any of the over one hundred Ace Hardware Stores in Colorado.
Home Depot Stores are also accepting CFL bulbs as part of a national program.
Please note that Ace Hardware and Home Depot stores are not accepting long fluorescent tubes and the program is intended for residential use only.
The following is a list of Ace Hardware and Home Depot stores located in Denver and accepting CFLs for recycling:
Perl-Mack Ace Hardware - 7041 Pecos St., 303-429-2944
- 9th Avenue Ace Hardware - 1030 E. 9th Ave., 303-831-7066
- 12th Avenue Ace Hardware - 2640 E. 12th Ave., 303-355-2551
- Tamarac Square Ace Hardware - 7777 E. Hampden Ave., 303-751-7225
- University Hills Ace Hardware - 2500 S. Colorado Blvd., 303-759-0980
- Ace Hardware -Alameda Station - 417 S. Broadway, 303-733-3200
- Cherry Creek Ace Hardware - 1417 S. Holly St., 303-691-3435
- Home Depot/Santa Fe - 500 S. Santa Fe Dr., 303-765-0400
- Home Depot/Stapleton - 3870 Quebec St., 303-320-3788
- Home Depot/Bear Valley - 3130 S. Sheridan Blvd., 303-922-0444
- Home Depot/Southwest Denver - 7990 W. Crestline Ave., 303-973-5100
For a list of all Ace Hardware Stores in Colorado, visit Xcel online.