How to Dispose of CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs)
While there's room for improvement, the EPA recommends the use of CFL lightbulbs. They use far less energy than standard bulbs, and last much longer, meaning there will be fewer to throw away.
They do contain mercury--enough to coat the tip of a ball-point pen, according to GE. (about 5 mg.)
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Instructions
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First, don't panic. All flourescent lamps contain mercury. CFL's have about 4-5 mg - and newer bulbs have less. (Old mercury thermometers have 100 times as much as this.)
Incandescent bulbs are on their way out:
"Due to their inefficient use of energy, incandescent bulbs will be banned by Congress starting in 2012, with a complete phase out by 2014." (http://earth911.com/hazardous/cfl/) So we might as well get used to having CFL's around, until they come up with a better alternative. -
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Because mercury is bad for our environment, DO NOT throw CFL's in the trash!
Disposal is getting easier as more businesses catch on. Here are some places to check for disposal options:1-800-CLEAN-UP (1-800-253-3268)
www.earth911.com Enter your zip code and the item(s) you want to recycle.
Ikea and Home Depot both take old CFL bulbs.
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If one does break, the greatest risk is getting cut from bits of glass, according to GE. Sweep up all of the glass. Don't vacuum. Place the broken pieces into a plastic bag, seal and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up all the pieces, as you would with any broken glass. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well. If you wish, open some windows to allow the room to ventilate.
The EPA suggests you double-bag the bulb in sealable plastic baggies.
The Maine Department of the Environment (http://www.maine.gov/dep/) recommends a sealed glass jar.
Dispose of as you would an unbroken CFL.
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Don't make a special trip! Set aside your old bulbs and take them when you're going into town anyway.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are using and saving CFL bulbs, you probably have a recycling center in your house or garage. This might be a good place to keep old bulbs while they're waiting to go. Package them carefully so they don't break.
CFL's are not the only hazardous waste in your home. Never throw computers, batteries, cameras, cell phones or other electronics into the trash.
Since CFL's are still a controversial subject, I recommend you look around the sites listed below. If you do get CFL's, ALWAYS RECYCLE! Do not let them get put into landfills!
