How should I dispose of it properly?
2007-12-02 14:25:32 · 8 answers · asked by Bobby S 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Disposal of CFL's is really a local issue. Some areas have recycling guidelines while others don't have any so you'll have to check for where you live. To be honest, I can't see how you would get in trouble if you didn't follow the guidelines although it would be the right thing to do.
If you don't have any recycling centers that will take the bulbs, you can dispose of them in the regular trash. It is recommended that you place the bulbs inside a plastic bag (or even two) before you throw them out.
As for clean-up of a broken CFL, air the room out for a few minutes (15 is recommended). Pick up the larger pieces and sweep the remainder or use two pieces of cardboard to gather the broken pieces. Again, place the pieces in plastic bags for return to recycling or disposal. If you can't sweep them (ie carpet), it is recommended that you do not vacuum the small broken pieces but use tape to pick them up. If you absolutely have to vacuum the area, change the vacuum cleaner bag so that you don't blow mercury dust all over your house the next time you vacuum.
2007-12-02 21:59:43 · answer #1 · answered by scobranchi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Al Gore will come and beat the snot out of you if you don't recycle it correctly. I'm not afraid of the fat man, so I put them in the trash.
There is more Mercury in a fresh water fish than in a CFL. Don't worry about it.
2007-12-03 23:05:01 · answer #2 · answered by John himself 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LMFAO at the answers posted so far..............10 minutes later......still LMFAO..........lol. I don't think you have to worry about 1 or 2 or even 10 CFL's being disposed of in the trash. It's the 50 or so that the landfill guys get a little pissy about
2007-12-03 03:48:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You could drive it over to a central hazardous waste area on the few days designated for that - those are the official instructions by recycling experts. Does that sound as whacko when you read it as it sounded to me when I typed it?
2007-12-02 22:44:16 · answer #4 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Read this. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compact_fluorescent_lamp
You may if they find out. They contain mercury.
*By the Way. CFL = Compact Flourecant Lamp/Light*
2007-12-02 22:34:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They will encarscerate you in the same cell block ...that those who tear off mattress tags are housed in.
2007-12-03 02:10:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Al Gore will have you hung. Give a hoot and pollute.
2007-12-02 22:38:31 · answer #7 · answered by hawk_barry 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
CFL???? WTF???
2007-12-02 22:28:44 · answer #8 · answered by Niiiice puddy-tat 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋