How to Dispose of Fluorescent Tubes Safely

Improper fluorescent tube disposal

Fluorescent tubes contain small amounts of mercury which are released as poisonous vapors if the tubes are broken. Mercury can also be absorbed through the skin by handling broken fluorescent tubes. For these reasons, care must be taken to dispose of fluorescent tubes safely.

Instructions

1. Check to see if there are fluorescent tube recycling programs in your area by searching online or calling local city or county offices. Recycling pickup and disposal may occur only a few times a year in your area, so you may have to store your used fluorescent tubes temporarily.

2. Know the regulations for safe disposal of fluorescent tubes in your area. Some states or local regulatory agencies require you to take fluorescent tubes to a recycle or hazardous waste disposal site. Some areas offer free pickup.

3. Store used fluorescent tubes in the box they came in or another place they won't break. Follow packing and storing guidelines of your local recycling or environmental regulatory agency. You may need to seal the storage container with plastic or tape.

4. Dispose of fluorescent tubes in sealed plastic bags placed in your trash bin if no other options exist in your state or area. Do this only if your waste agency does not incinerate its garbage. If it does, search for other disposal options outside of your area.

5. Take care not to break fluorescent tubes while disposing or storing. If they break, remove all humans and animals from the area at once and take care to not inhale vapors. Cleanup guidelines can be found online and by calling your local city or county agencies.

Resources

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