Replacing
traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) is an
easy way to make your home more energy efficient and save money on your
utility bill. Modern CFLs are available in numerous styles, produce
great light, and last much longer than standard bulbs.
CFLs contain small amounts of mercury. Do no throw
burned out CFLs in the trash. Take them to the
Sedgwick County
Household Hazardous Waste Facility for proper
disposal.
The Sedgwick County Household Hazardous Waste
Facility does not accept broken CFLs. Follow these guidelines if a CFL breaks.
What should I do if a CFL breaks?
Because there is such a small amount of mercury in
CLFs, your greatest risk if a bulb breaks is getting cut from glass
shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to
you or your family should a bulb break and cleaned up properly. You can
minimize any risks by following these proper clean-up disposal
guidelines:
- Sweep up – don’t vacuum – all of the glass
fragments and fine particles.
- Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag
and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray
shards of glass or fine particles. Put the used towel in the
plastic bag as well.
- If weather permits, open windows to allow the
room to ventilate.
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last update:
11/26/07
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