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Steps to ensure proper handling, disposal of CFL bulbs
In an effort to preserve our natural resources, the world is developing more ways to be energy-efficient.
The increasing use of compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, is part of that endeavor.
As noted by the Environmental Protection Agency, CFLs save money and energy by using two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs, and they last up to 10 times longer.
However, because the bulbs contain mercury, a toxic element, there can be concern as to the best way to handle and deal with these bulbs if they break or when it is time to discard them.
If a bulb breaks
Anthony Rodriguez, public information specialist with the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel, said it is good for consumers to remember that the mercury amount in each bulb is minimal.
He said there is about 1 mg to 3 mg in each CFL bulb.
“By comparison, people used to stick mercury thermometers in their mouths for years, and those contained 500 mg of mercury,” Rodriguez said.
“If (the mercury) stays contained there is no issue,” he said, “and if (the container) breaks, just follow the proper steps.”
The EPA noted these steps to follow to ensure safe, effective cleanup if a CFL bulb breaks: Before you start your cleanup, air out the room. Have people and pets leave the room, and don’t let anyone walk through the breakage area.
Open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes. Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.
On hard surfaces, carefully scoop up the glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.
Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass pieces and powder. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes.
Place towels in the glass jar or plastic bag.
Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.
“This can cause the mercury to get airborne,” Rodriguez said.
On carpeting or rug, carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.
Again, use sticky tape to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
You can vacuum after all visible materials are removed, in 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.
If a bulb breaks over or on clothing, bedding, etc., and comes in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from inside the bulb, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away.
Do not wash such clothing or bedding because mercury fragments may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage.
You can, however, wash clothing or other materials that have been exposed to the mercury vapor from a broken CFL, such as the clothing you are wearing when you cleaned up the broken CFL. Just be sure the clothing has not come into direct contact with the materials from inside the broken bulb.
If shoes come into direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder from the bulb, wipe them off with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes.
Place the towels or wipes in a glass jar or plastic bag for disposal.
Although these efforts may give the appearance that these bulbs are introducing more toxins into the environment, it was noted that this method is still more environmentally friendly than using regular bulbs.
“Using CFLs is a way to reduce the mercury released into the atmosphere, because they use less energy,” Rodriguez said. “Whenever you use energy, you emit mercury into the atmosphere.”
How to discard CFLs
According to the OCC and the EPA, you can throw your properly sealed CFLs into the trash, but there are better options.
To recycle the bulbs, bring them to the Montgomery County Solid Waste District, the Clark County West Recycling Center, IKEA or select Home Depot locations.
“If you’re bringing in a bulb that has been broken, make sure it is bundled up and tell the returns cashier that it is broken so it is disposed of properly,” said Marissa Beck, an electrical department head at The Home Depot in West Carrollton.
For more information on CFL disposal and more recycling sites, visit www.earth911.org or call (800) CLEAN-UP (800-253-2687).
TWIGs Moms’ Marts set for this month
One sure sign of spring’s arrival is the upcoming TWIGs Moms’ Marts being held north and south of town this month.
These seasonal events, held each spring and fall, offer gently used clothing, toys, furniture and more for children of all ages.
And a portion of the proceeds go to the Children’s Medical Center of Dayton.
Admission costs $1.
The first of the two Moms’ Marts will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday, March 13, at Clearcreek Elementary School 750 S. Main St. in Springboro.
At that event, customers can pay with cash, Visa or Mastercard.
The second of the two Marts will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27 at Smith Middle School, 3625 Little York Road in Vandalia/Butler Twp.
That one is cash only.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Helpful information, Sunday columns
Comments
By Tom
March 8, 2010 12:33 AM | Link to this
These new bulbs appear to be a health hazard. The majority of people will never see instructions on how to safely discard or clean up a broken bulb. There will be lots of lawsuits. Are we exchanging one bad situation for one that’s worse?
By rj
March 8, 2010 7:17 AM | Link to this
Don’t have a problem with mine…they burn out, they go in the trash. Problem solved.
By sarahbelll
March 29, 2010 3:37 PM | Link to this
Every time I come to mo.daytondailynews.com there is another exciting post up to read. A friend of mine was telling me about this topic a few weeks ago, so I think I will send my friend the link here and see what they say.