Hazards of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Hazards of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Consumers agree, using anything that is energy efficient is a good thing. But did you know that those Energy Efficient Light Bulbs contain Mercury???? Yes I said Mercury!

In a article How To Dispose Of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs they wrote:

Energy efficient CFL bulbs are hailed as an environmentally friendly alternative that will save money and resources. But not many people know yet that the bulbs contain mercury. Despite being a small amount, it is still very dangerous if leaked into the earth or water. These energy efficient bulbs must be disposed of safely to completely benefit the planet.

Thanks to Joe Geraci from My Rent A Husband for giving us a demonstration on how to dispose of these bulbs safely.

    If the bulb is just Burnt Out place the bulb in 2 zip-lock plastic bags and take it to a hazardous waste disposal location. ie. your local land fill, Home Depot, Lowe's

   If the bulb gets Broken: here is what you will need: latex gloves, mask, deck of playing cards, glass jar with lid, box of Swiffers, duct tape.

1. open all windows and vacate the home for 20 minutes. This will allow the mercury vapors to escape.
2. put on a plastic or paper mask and latex gloves.
3. take 2 cards from the deck and pick up the broken glass and mercury, put these items in the glass jar.
   
4. take a piece of duct tape and clean up the remaining mercury and fine pieces of glass, put in the jar.
5. take a Swiffer cloth and clean the area gathering any mercury or glass that remains, put in the jar.
6. remove gloves inside out to avoid touching them, put these in the glass jar.
7. seal the glass jar with a tightly fitting lid.
8. take the sealed jar to your local hazardous waste drop off area for safe disposal.

NEVER EVER PUT THESE Energy Efficient Light Bulbs IN THE TRASH!