Recycling & Disposal of Light Bulbs

Today we are all more aware of our impact onIf you use these lamps in a large business, you will
the earth and atmosphere. Light Bulbs containingneed to follow more specific rules and steps.
mercury are certainly an element of that. WithoutFollowing is a link to the page on the EPA site that
getting too technical or detailed, I hope to provideoutlines this set of guidelines for you.
you with the information you need to properlyWhat do you do if your local environmental
recycle or dispose of these types of light bulbs.regulatory agency provides no disposal options?
This is not meant to be a comprehensive outlineThe EPA recommends that you double bag all
of all requirements and regulations. What I dofluorescent, compact fluorescent and HID lamps in
want to do is to give you some general guidanceplastic bags and place them for regular trash
as to what to do with mercury light bulbs andpickup. Ultimately, your state EPA may have
provide resources that give all the nitty grittyspecific requirements for recycling fluorescent and
details.compact fluorescent light bulbs. Please consult
What Light Bulbs to Take Care with:your state or local environmentally regulatory
Energy efficient light bulbs containing mercuryagency.
should always be recycled or disposed of properlyProper Disposal:
if they happen to be broken. Why? For the sameThree words: Ventilate, Evacuate and Eradicate.
reasons that a pregnant lady should not eat deepThese guidelines are for homeowners or small
sea fish, you should minimize the exposure youoffices only. There are several nevers. Never use
and your family have to mercury whether it bethe vacuum to clean up the whole thing. Never
from a light bulb or from a broken thermometeruse a broom to sweep as the will spread the
(the old type). Mercury is used in energy efficientmercury around. Never pour mercury down your
light bulbs: fluorescent light bulbs, compactsink drain or it could corrode your pipes. Never
fluorescent light bulbs and HID lamps (mercurywash clothes that have come in direct contact.
vapor, high pressure sodium and metal halide.)This could damage your washing machine. And
You might ask why use these light bulbs if theyfinally, never walk around in shoes that have
pose a problem to our environment.come in direct contact with mercury.
Manufacturers over the last 20 years have beenWhat do you do? Open windows and doors to
making huge strides in reducing and eliminatingallow the vapor to escape the area. Turn off your
mercury from these energy efficient light bulbs.heat/air unit so that the vapors are not spread
Using these light bulbs, even though they containthrough your home. Have everyone leave the
small amounts of mercury, is still better for ourarea where the breakage occurred and remove
environment than using lesser efficient light bulbs.all pets. It's never a bad idea to wear disposable
The savings in harmful output by coal burningplastic gloves. If it's on a hard surface, use a
power plants dramatically outweighs the impact ofheavy piece of paper or cardboard to scoop up
the mercury in these light bulbs.....especially whenthe breakage. If on carpet, carefully pick up the
we dispose of them properly. The Energy Starpieces and place them in a glass jar or double
website explains how compact fluorescent lightbagged plastic bag. Use a heavy duty tape to pick
bulbs save more than 400 pounds of greenhouseup small particles that are not already removed
gas emissions out of the atmosphere.and dispose of in the same jar or bag. If on a
Recycling Light Bulbs:hard surface, wipe area clean with a disposable
It is recommended to always recycle mercurywipe. If on carpet, vacuum the small particles
light bulbs. Depending on whether you areONLY and dispose of the vacuum bag or wipe
recycling light bulbs from your home or place ofthe canister clean with a disposable wipe.
business, your method may be a bit different.Place all clean-up materials outside in an out-of-the
Recycling of mercury content light bulbs is done inway place for the next trash pickup. Some states
many places across the country. The EPArequire certain disposal restrictions. Check with
website has a wonderful link system that willlocal or state environmental agency to determine
connect you to licensed companies in your arearules that apply to you.
that will take light bulbs from residential customersSafe and proper disposal or recycling mercury
and sometimes small businesses. Please visit thislight bulbs that are burned out is always
for specific requirements in your area. Somerecommended. Most states follow either the
companies will dispose of them for free andfederal EPA rules or California's rules. It's important
others may charge a nominal fee. These centersto educate your self and help us keep our air
can often recycle multiple parts of the bulb.clean.