How to Dispose of Mercury Lamps
Mercury is a common ingredient in many energy-efficient light bulbs, such as fluorescent bulbs or high intensity discharge bulbs. While modern manufacturers attempt to use as little mercury as possible, the amount is still enough to impact the environment collectively, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Properly dispose of mercury bulbs and lamps to prevent them from breaking and the mercury from floating into the atmosphere. Purchase zip-top bags that are large enough for your mercury bulbs or lamp to fit into. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Turn off the lamp, unplug it and let it cool completely.
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Remove the mercury light bulb by twisting it or pulling it from the socket. Some bulbs may require you to press against a spring in the socket before pulling it out.
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Place the mercury light bulb in a plastic zip-top bag. Seal the zip-top while ensuring that there is not an excess amount of air in the bag. If the bag is puffed with air, unzip the top and reseal it.
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Place that bag in another zip-top bag and seal the top. Make sure that there is as little air inside the bag as possible. This will help prevent the bag from popping under pressure.
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Transport the bag to a household hazardous waste collection facility where you can give it to a recycling worker who will properly recycle it. Most states offer recycling services and some require that you recycle bulbs rather than throw them away. Consult your local environmental regulatory agency to determine your area's requirements.
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Throw the double zip-lock bag away in an outside trash can if your area does not provide recycling options or regulations for the disposal of mercury bulbs.
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Repeat this process with any other mercury components or with the entire lamp.
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References
- Environmental Protection Agency: Mercury-Containing Light Bulb (Lamp) Basic Information
- Environmental Protection Agency: Mercury-Containing Light Bulb (Lamp) Recycling
- Environmental Protection Agency: Storing, Transporting and Recycling/Disposing of Mercury-Containing Light Bulbs (Lamps) from Households
Resources
- Photo Credit compact fluorescent bulb image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
