What to Do if a Fluorescent Light Bulb Breaks (According to EPA)

Caught this link on Boingboing.net. CFLs and fluorescent bulbs are energy efficient but they have to be handled with care. This is one of those balancing acts our planet demands of us, which is why we need to look at the big picture. We save on one thing, and what are the environmental implications. Put another way, if we save on the environment by disposing of things in a responsible way, what energy impact is that?

In any case, it's important to be educated, and I encourage you to continue to use the new energy efficient light bulbs and LEDs whenever possible.

Here is what you do if your fluorescents break in your house. Remember - they contain trace amounts of mercury so handle with care. They also contain massive amounts of 'energy savings' which is absolutely critical going forward. Make sure to screw them in every light bulb you can. I heard they don't work on dimmer switches, so I'm going to look into that and report back.

EPA is continually reviewing its clean-up and disposal recommendations for CFLs to ensure that the Agency presents the most up-to-date information for consumers and businesses.

Learn more about compact fluorescent light bulb's from the ENERGY STAR program

Frequently Asked Questions about Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Mercury (PDF) (2 pp., 71K, About PDF)

Find fluorescent light bulb recycling programs in your area

Fluorescent light bulbs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines:

1. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.

2. Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a sealed plastic bag.

   1. Use disposable rubber gloves, if available (i.e., do not use bare hands). Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the plastic bag.

   2. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

3. Place all cleanup materials in a second sealed plastic bag.

   1. Place the first bag in a second sealed plastic bag and put it in the outdoor trash container or in another outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal.
      Note: Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken lamps be taken to a local recycling center.

   2. Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.

4. If a fluorescent bulb breaks on a rug or carpet:

   1. First, remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner, following the steps above. Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.

   2. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum 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 two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.