Many people are unaware that fluorescent tubes of all kinds, including compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, contain toxic materials — such as mercury — and should never be thrown in the trash. Also, extreme care should be exercised to prevent breakage. To recycle fluorescent tubes of all kinds in an environmentally responsible manner (for free), you may take them to a Metro hazardous waste facility or round-up event. Also, The Home Depot will recycle unbroken CFLs at any of its stores (take them to the returns desk).