Effective July 2011, fluorescent lights and thermostats that contain mercury were banned from unlined landfills. The NC Division of Environmental Assistance and Outreach provides guidance on local fluorescent tube recycling locations.
New Hanover County's Environmental Management department accepts household hazardous waste materials six days a week including CFL bulbs and lamps containing mercury. Bring your items to the New Hanover County Environmental Management Office located at 3002 Hwy 421 N Wilmington 28401 (former WASTEC). Call 910.798.4400 for more information. Download a full list of accepted items(PDF, 375KB).
Local retailers offer compact fluorescent light recycling. There may or may not be a charge. Please check your local Home Depot, Lowe's Home Improvement and/or other bulb retailers for recycling options.