CFL Recycling. Part 2

Why should I recycle my old burned out or broken CFLs?

CFLs have a small amount of mercury in them and they need to be managed properly at the end of their useful lives. Last year alone, American’s purchased 400 million CFLs! It is important to properly recycle CFLs today so there is not a problem in the future.

What happens when my CFL is recycled?

A CFL is like a small computer with all the electronics inside the ballast. When a CFL reaches a recycler, all the components are separated. The glass and mercury are separated and actually resold to manufacturers.

How do I recycle my CFL?

There are several ways to recycle your CFL:

  1. 1.Check out the resource map for a participating CFL Collection Center near you. The retail stores and civic organizations listed are trained to take in, store, and ship CFLs to professional recyclers who will manage them correctly.
  2. 2.Take advantage of local recycling options through your municipal landfill or transfer station. Many towns or counties have household hazardous waste collection days where CFLs can be dropped off for recycling. Visit the Department of Environmental Conservation and www.earth911.org for more information.
  3. 3.Look for organizations that are creating products to recycle CFLs. The U.S. Post Office, Waste Management, IKEA, and other organizations are exploring or implementing CFL recycling programs.

What do I do if a CFL breaks in my house?

A broken CFL containing a small amount of mercury is not likely to present any excess risk to you or your family. However, proper clean-up methods should be followed. These simple clean-up instructions will ensure safe removal of broken CFLs:

  1. Before clean-up, make sure you ventilate the room. Make sure that people and pets leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area for 15 minutes. Be sure to open a window and shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.
  2. Clean-up on hard surfaces. Using stiff paper or cardboard, carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid (such as a canning jar), or in a sealed plastic bag. Use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag. DO NOT use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces. This will flick the particles all over the room.
  3. Clean-up on carpets or rugs. Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag. Use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum only the area where the bulb was broken. Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.
  4. Disposal of clean-up materials. Immediately place all clean-up materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal day. Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.
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