Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Hopefully we are all starting to use compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) instead of the traditional incandescent light bulbs. 75% less energy is used when a traditional bulb is replaced with a CFL bulb! A simple change can make a big difference.

CFL bulbs, like traditional fluorescent bulbs, contain a very small amount of mercury. (A CFL bulb contains approximately 4 milligrams. An old traditional thermometer contains about 500 milligrams.) As long as the bulb is not broken, there is no problem with the mercury.

If a CFL bulb gets broken, the following steps should be taken:

1. Have people and pets leave the room.
2. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.
3. Shut off central air heating or cooling.
4. Pick up all glass fragments and any powder using a stiff paper or cardboard. Place glass fragments and paper in a glass jar with a metal lid or seal in a plastic bag. (You can use a piece of duct tape to pick up any remaining small glass pieces and powder.
5. Wipe the area with a clean damp paper towel or disposable wipes. Place the towels in the jar or bag. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb unless the bulb broke in carpet and you cannot get all of the pieces. Once completed, remove the vacuum bag or empty and wipe the canister when complete and place the vacuum bag in a zip lock bag.
6. If clothing or bedding materials come in direct contact with broken glass or mercury-containing powder, the clothing or bedding should be thrown away. Do not wash this clothing or bedding because mercury fragments in the clothing may contaminate the machine and/or pollute sewage. If possible this material should be placed in a zip lock bag.
7. Immediately place all clean-up materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area for the next normal trash pickup.
8. The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air conditioning or heating system and open a window before vacuuming. Leave the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.

Intact, burned out, CFL bulbs, like regular fluorescent bulbs, should be taken to the Household Chemical Waste Collection events where they can be disposed of correctly.

For more information on CFL handling visit www.energystar.gov.