CFL Disposal

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are helping you save money and save the environment. ENERGY STAR-qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less electricity than incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little up front, and provide a quick return on your investment. You save money on your utility bill, and reduced energy usage is better for the environment.

A small amount of mercury is an essential part of a CFL: it reacts with the coating on the inside of the glass tube to produce light using very little electricity. Each CFL contains an average of 4 milligrams sealed within the glass. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams.

Because mercury is a toxic substance, many of you have expressed concern about the proper disposal of your CFLs. Follow these tips to safely handle, dispose of, and clean up a bulb should it break in your home:

Handling

• Always take care when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing, or replacing it.
• Hold the bulb by its base and not the glass part.
• Never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket. If it breaks, follow the tips below.

Recycling or Disposal

• Great Lakes Energy has installed a COMPAK Recycling Center in the lobby of every GLE service center. Simply place your CFLs in the environmentally-secure containers. GLE ships them to Next Level for Recycling, Inc. for proper disposal. NLR provides containers with InnerPak Liners and vapor lock lids to guard against environmental breach.
• Other local recycling options are listed at www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling or www.earth911.org. Home Depot also accepts intact light bulbs for recycling.
• If your local agency allows you to put CFLs in the garbage, the bulbs should be sealed in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash or other protected outside option.
• Never put a fluorescent light bulb or other mercury-containing product into an incinerator.
• If the bulb burns out before it should, contact the manufacturer. ENERGY STAR-qualified bulbs are required to offer at least a two-year warranty.

Cleaning Up If a Bulb Should Break

• Open a window and have people (including you) and pets leave the room for at least 15 minutes.
• Shut off your central forced air heating/cooling system.
• If the bulb is broken on a hard surface, carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or sealed plastic bag.
• Use sticky tape to pick up any remaining pieces and powder.
• Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place wipes in the glass jar or plastic bag.
• Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
• Immediately place all clean-up materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area for trash pickup.
• Wash your hands after disposing of the materials.
• Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states require broken and unbroken mercury-containing bulbs be taken to a recycling center.

For additional tips on cleaning up broken bulbs from carpeting, bedding and clothing, click here.