How many people does it take to change a CFL?
CFL's - those energy saving, forever (or so it seems) lasting, "green" light bulbs that are to save us loads and loads of energy. Yeah, you know 'em, you love 'em and you have 'em.
But what if they break? Or even (gasp!) burn out?
Well, because these little energy misers contain a bit of mercury the clean up (or disposal) isn't quite like your father's ligt bulb. No half of a potato to get the broken base from the fixture, nope. These require a bit more care.
If they burn out (and they eventually will) see http://earth911.org/ for a recycling center near you. These bulbs SHOULD NOT go out with the regular trash.
If they break - well now you've done it!
You don't really need a HAZMAT suit, but you do need to take some precautions. The EPA has guidelines for clean up on various materials - rugs, hard surfaces, bedding/clothing (throw it out!), etc. I won't bore you with all the specific details - you can see for your self at http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm#fluorescent. Let's suffice it to say that you'll not be picking anything up with your hands and you'll be setting up a 3 square block perimeter (or something like that).
But seriously folks, know that these are not your typical light bulbs and know that they need special care and precautions when they break or burn out.
***I re-posted this as I have had emails that others couldn't comment - although I did not check that box. I will delete the original
***Still having trouble with comments - sorry I'm at a loss. :(
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