How to Properly Dispose of Fluorescent Bulbs

Those of us who would like to live green more than likely have already switched from regular incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. Using fluorescent bulbs truly has some great advantages, not only do they last five to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs; they use less energy, reducing fuel emissions at power plants. Furthermore, we do not have to mention the number one advantage of using fluorescent bulbs is that they can save us up to $30 in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulb.

Still, while offering these tremendous advantages to not only our homes but to businesses, schools, and major establishments by lowering energy consumption, fluorescent bulbs can pose some danger to our environment and health. Fluorescent bulbs contain chemical compounds such as fluorine, neon, lead powder, and the toxic heavy metal, mercury. As most of us already know, mercury is poisonous, this and the other chemical compounds mentioned can leach out of landfills and poison our drinking water, soil, and add toxic fumes to the air we breathe.

The University of Illinois at Springfield states, “People need to understand that these bulbs are considered “hazardous” and can cause long term damage to not only the environment, but if broken can cause health problems with people as well. Mercury has the ability to cause humans, as well as animals, serious health problems such as permanent nerve and kidney damage if exposed to.”

These dangers prompt some states to make it illegal to place fluorescent or HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps in the garbage – whether they are intact or broken. Even a small amount of mercury can be harmful to our health.

Here are some ways to properly dispose of fluorescent bulbs:

How to Properly Dispose of Fluorescent Bulbs: Recycle

The best way to dispose of fluorescent bulbs is not to throw them in the garbage, recycle them instead. Fluorescent bulbs are, generally, safe to use. However, it is when these bulbs are broken or improperly disposed of that they become a problem. Check your county recycling locations for household hazardous waste collection sites and disposal information. Some counties collect fluorescent and other non-incandescent bulbs for recycling.

Below is a list from www.greenguardian.com of what you can recycle:

Compact fluorescent bulbs (all sizes)
Fluorescent bulbs of all shapes and sizes (tubes, circles, U-shaped, bug “zappers”, tanning lamps, and black lights)
High intensity discharge (HID) lamps, typically used for exterior lighting (metal halide, mercury vapor and high pressure sodium)
Neon lights

How to Properly Dispose of Fluorescent Bulbs: Don’t Break

DO NOT break the fluorescent bulbs to avoid exposure to mercury. If for some reason your bulbs break accidentally, collect and transport the pieces in a sealed container. Wear gloves, use eye goggles, wear protective mask and coveralls when collecting the broken pieces. Collect even small broken pieces by patting the area with sticky side of a tape and use damp cloth to wipe the area. Don’t vacuum bulb debris because a standard vacuum will spread mercury-containing dust throughout the area and contaminate the vacuum. Ventilate the area and reduce temperature where the bulb broke. Finally, check with local authorities to see where hazardous waste may be properly disposed.

How to Properly Dispose of Fluorescent Bulbs: Properly Pack

To avoid breaking bulbs, pack them in their original packaging or wrap in newspaper or bubble wrap and place in a box. Do not use tape on the bulbs.

Hopefully these tips in handling and properly disposing fluorescent bulbs can help you protect yourself, your family, pets and the environment.