March
2008
Proper
Burial
When
money-saving compact fluorescents die, give them the attention they deserve
Compared
to old-fashioned incandescents (the common light bulb), it seems that energy
efficient compact fluorescent bulbs last forever. But there comes a time
when they, too, need disposal.
Recent
media hype concerning mercury contained in CF bulbs is mostly overstated.
While it is a fact that mercury can harm the environment, the amount of mercury
released from burning coal to power an incandescent bulb for the same amount
of light is more than what’s found in and used to power a CF bulb.
 |
| The amount of mercury in a typical compact fluorescent bulb is 100 times
less than the amount found in a medical thermometer. |
Even
if the CF bulb is improperly disposed, the environmental and economic benefits
of using them far outweigh the alternative. One study by the EPA shows if
the CF bulb breaks, only a tiny fraction of the total mercury inside escapes.
Almost
every part of a CF bulb can be recycled. Metal end caps, glass tubing and
phosphor powder can be separated and reused. Metallic components can be sold
for scrap. Mercury can be recycled into new fluorescent bulbs.
Getting
rid of burned out CF bulbs
1.
Go to earth911.org to see if a recycling center close to you accepts CF bulbs.
If so, take the bulb there. Unfortunately many locations in the Walton EMC
service area are not served by such a facility.
2.
If a there’s no recycling center close by, seal the bulb in two plastic
bags and place in regular trash disposal.
3. If
you break a CF bulb, open the windows and leave the room for at least 15
minutes, allowing any mercury vapor to disperse. Wear protective gloves to
clean up the broken glass. Carefully scoop the fragments and powder with
cardboard and seal them in a plastic bag. Wipe the area clean with damp paper
towels.
If
on carpet, use duct tape to pick up small pieces and powder instead of damp
paper towels. If vacuuming is needed after all visible pieces are gathered,
discard the vacuum bag when finished.
4. Place
the plastic bag containing the debris and all clean up materials in another
sealed plastic bag. Place in an outdoor trashcan and wash your hands.
To
avoid breaking CF bulbs during installation, hold by the base, not the glass
tube.
CF
Recycling Facts
- 670
million mercury-containing bulbs are disposed of in the US every year.
- A
typical CF bulb contains five milligrams of mercury–1/100 the
amount found in a glass medical thermometer.
- Even
if the bulb breaks, an EPA study found that only 6.8 percent of the total
mercury in the bulb is released.
More Information: Environmental Protection
Agency
Video: WSB-TV
CFL Recycling Story
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