How should we dispose of fluorescent bulbs and those new energy saver bulbs?

Question

I know they contain small amounts to mercury, so I don't think they are supposed to go in the regular garbage, and I don't think they are recyclable.I live in Ontario, Canada, so I would need to know about a local solution.

Answer 1

You should be able to recycle them. Ask around. If not, then you can throw them out.

There are lots of urban legands surrounding florescent bulbs. They have been around for years though. Check out Snopes.com.

http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/cfl...

Answer 2

That's the problem...when a new "better idea" is created to save the environment...another potential hazzard arises! I just read today in my newspaper, definitely not to dispose of the new bulbs in the trash because they contain mercury. They said to keep them until disposal sites are set up. Right now if you break one in your home, Hazmat needs to come out and clean it up...and at your expense!  I'm going to wait on them awhile.

Answer 3

don't buy them..call the EPA

Answer 4

seems to me every lightbulb has mercury.. even the ones we used before.. and the flourescent bulbs already used for years everywhere... most people just toss them in the garbage..

I suppose you should at least put them in a bag...

Answer 5

if you have a local hazardous waste collection you can take them there. Or you could try http://earth911.org/ to find any other possible locations around you. And you are right, don't throw them in the garbage or in the regular recycle bin as it poses a health threat to the workers.

edit:

here is a good article with various info about choosing the best green bulb for you and it includes some info about how to clean up a CFL if one happens to break, and no, you don't need to call in the HazMat cavalry.

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/love-yo...