How to Dispose of Conserv-Energy Light Bulbs
Conserv-Energy light bulbs is a brand of compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs available at Costco. CFLs differ from normal light bulbs in several key ways, including that they are more energy efficient, last longer and contain a small amount of mercury. Mercury is a known carcinogen, and exposure to it is considered hazardous. For this reason, while the US Environmental Protection Agency approves of the use of CFLs, the agency does advise that you never break the bulbs and, when they are worn out, that you properly dispose of them byt taking them to a qualified hazardous waste recycling center. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Computer or yellow pages
- Gloves
- Disposable brush
- Paper towel
- Newspaper
- Plastic bags
Instructions
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Disposing of the Bulb
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When the bulb has blown out and you are ready to dispose of it, remove it carefully from its carriage, making sure to not crack the glass. Always screw in and unscrew the lightbulb at its base, not by the glass top.
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Consult your yellow pages or a website such as Earth911.com to find a local hazardous waste disposal site in your local area. These sites are specifically equipped to handle the disposal of mercury and other toxic chemicals. Most of these sites require that you deliver the hazardous items you wish to throw out, but some hold pickups.
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If there are no hazardous waste disposal sites in your area, many retailers, such as IKEA, are willing to take back bulbs purchased from their stores.
Breaking a CFL
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If you break a CFL, open a window for 10 to 15 minutes. Airborne mercury poses little risk to humans if consumed in minute quantities, but prolonged exposure can be hazardous.
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Put on gloves, and use a disposable brush to clean up the larger fragments. Do not use a vacuum cleaner as this will only spread the mercury.
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Wipe up the remaining fragments with a wet paper towel.
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Wrap the brush, the fragments and the towel in newspaper, and place this bundle in an airtight plastic bag or container.
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Either place the container in your garbage bin, or, if possible, store the container until such time as you can take it to a hazardous waste disposal facility.
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Tips & Warnings
Most CFLs contain an average of 4 milligrams of mercury. By comparison, thermometers contain about 500 milligrams. Mercury can only be released from the CFL when it is broken; mercury is never released when the bulbs are intact and in use.
Never place an intact bulb in your regular garbage or recycling. It can later shatter, presenting a hazard to anyone with whom it comes in contact.
According to reviews posted on OneMillionBulbs.com, a number of Conserv-Energy bulbs are unsafe. Many posters reported that the bulbs smoked and caught fire when in use.
