How do I dispose of a compact home fluorescent lightbulb? They have mercury in them. What if they break?

They have mercury in them. What if they break? Compact fluorescent lightbulbs save lots of energy and are well-worth their cost.

But I understand that they cannot simply be trashed because they contain mercury - how am I supposed to get rid of them? Also, what happens if one breaks? What should I do then?

Asked by jpriestly 53 months ago Similar questions: dispose compact home fluorescent lightbulb mercury break Health.

Similar questions: dispose compact home fluorescent lightbulb mercury break.

They're not dangerous, but they're a pain to dispose of. The mercury inside the compact fluorescent bulb isn't enough to do any harm. There's four milligrams of mercury in it.

You can breathe it with absolutely no ill effects. (Dimethyl mercury is toxic in much smaller doses, but this is a different form of mercury. ) Unless you're planning on huffing compact fluorescent bulbs (just wait, somebody will try it) you don't have to worry about them breaking open.As for disposal... well, in theory it's hazardous.

You're technically supposed to find a hazardous waste disposal place. Most towns have one, because lots of other things are also technically hazardous, including batteries. Watch batteries have 6 times as much mercury as a compact fluorescent.

You can look up your zip code on earth911. Com for your local disposal options.GE (who makes them) says that if you can't find one, just wrap it up in a plastic bag and chuck it. (They tell you not to if it's going to be incinerated.

I have no idea if my trash is incinerated or not.) Oh... if you got it at IKEA, those earth-friendly Swedes will take it back. The upshot: places where they start requiring them had better be prepared to deal with the disposal. If you're just doing it out of earth-friendliness, it's basically OK to just chuck them.

Remember: it lasts a lot longer than a regular bulb, and the mercury is minimal. Plus you use less energy when you use it. So they're an environmental net gain..

According to the EPA, the greatest risk if a bulb breaks is getting cut from the glass shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to people should a bulb break. *Sweep up, do not vacuum, the glass fragments and particles.

*Place the broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any remaining stray shards or particles. Put the paper towel in the sealed bag when you're finished. *If weather permits, open the windows and ventilate the room.

What should you do with a CFL when it burns out? Like paint, batteries, thermostats and other hazardous items, CFL's should be disposed of properly. The EPA is working with CFL manufacturers and U.S. Retailers to expand disposal options.

You can search for disposal options online by using your zip code at www.earth911.com or www.lamprecycle.org Also, check with your local waste management agency. If a disposal site is not available in your area, the EPA suggests placking the burned-out or broken bulb in a sealed plastic bag and place it in the trash. Never incinerate.

Sources: Article in July/August 2007 CHELCO News DeFuniak Springs, FL HELENofTROY's Recommendations Globe 13-Watt T2 Mini Compact Fluorescent Spiral Bulb (60-Watt Incandescent Equivalent), Cool White, 8-Pack #6780201 Amazon List Price: $27.99 Average Customer Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (based on 3 reviews) Globe13-Watt Ultra-Mini Bug Repellent Compact Fluorescent Spiral Bulb (60-Watt Incandescent Equivalent), 3-Pack #3760901 Amazon List Price: $17.99 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 7 reviews) .

Either way... Ideally, your local Home Depot or Builder's Square or some similar place is equipped to accept used CF bulbs. Realistically, just throw them away. You'll find more mercury in the battery of your wristwatch than in a CF bulb.

Don't forget that many people and businesses have had standard fluorescent light tubes in their homes and offices for decades. Those bulbs have WAY more mercury than modern CF bulbs, and they're discarded with the regular garbage.It's worth noting that all manufacturers are developing and implementing new technologies to further reduce the mercury in CF bulbs. Within a decade, it wouldn't surprise me if mercury was entirely eliminated.

If a CF bulb breaks, don't flip out. The broken glass is more dangerous than the mercury. Just use damp paper towels to mop up the mess, and discard 'em.

Don't leave any glass on the floor for people to step on. Don't use a vacuum cleaner; that could actually spread both glass and microscopic mercury particles. Both glass and mercury particles will stick to the damp paper towels, which you can then simply discard in the trash.

Sources: Read a lot about this subject..

There is mercury in the compact fluorscent light bulbs. I am trying to detox from heavy metals. If you break one ....." "Are you aware that energy-saving compact flourescent light bulbs contain mercury, which is released when they break?

There is mercury in the compact fluorscent light bulbs. I am trying to detox from heavy metals. If you break one .....

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.