." WRONG! All fluorescent lamps contain mercury and most are considered hazardous waste. The most prudent course of action is to recycle all spent lamps in order to comply with the law... recycling. Listed below are some of the more common questions we are asked. Why can't I just throw my lamps in the trash? All Fluorescent lamps contain mercury and in most cases... are considered hazardous. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the management of spent lamps. In Pennsylvania, and most states, unless you are a household, you must properly recycle...