Not so fast: How to properly dispose of compact fluorescent light bulbs

They promise a longer life but even compact fluorescent light bulbs go dark eventually.

What to do with them once that happens can be a dilemma for homeowners, as the bulbs contain a small amount of mercury.

There are several options and more coming in Lake and Cook counties, however, as the bulbs become more popular and more wear out.

In a new program, 19 of the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County's community members, for example, accept the bulbs. Visit the Web site, www.swancc.org, for locations.

"Even though the bulbs don't have a large amount of mercury in them, they still have mercury in them," said Mary Allen, recycling and education director for SWANCC.

She said the program, funded by member agencies, is being put in place in advance of the huge demand for the service. The agency hired a firm that will pick up the bulbs from various locations as needed. Recycling a CFL bulb costs from 40 cents to 70 cents, according to Allen.

"That's the beauty of this. There will only be more and more in the waste stream."

The Buffalo Grove health department recently opened a drop-off at the village hall, 50 Raupp Road, for CFLs and is alerting residents via the village newsletter. Besides the lamp bulbs, the village also will the accept longer fluorescent bulbs that are popular in basements, workshops and offices.

In Lake County, spent bulbs are accepted at household hazardous waste collections, held throughout the area. Twenty collections were held last year.

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County also is conducting a pilot program in Highland Park in which the bulbs are accepted Tuesdays and Fridays at the electronic equipment drop off. Visit www.swalco.org for information.

"I think the word is getting out a little bit more about the potential hazards with the (CFL) tube," said Pete Adrian, SWALCO's recycling coordinator.

"There's a lot of misinformation and lack of knowledge about how you should properly dispose of (them)," he added.

Adrian noted that several Ace Hardware stores also accept the bulbs in a program coordinated with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Com Ed. Select retailers also will accept them, he said.

"Outside of IKEA there's probably very few retailers that are willing to expend the cost to get these things back and the manufacturers have been silent."

The bulbs need special disposal because they contain a small amount of mercury -- equivalent to the tip of a ball-point pen -- which is considered hazardous waste. For comparison, older thermometers contain 100 times as much mercury. The bulb bases also contain a lead-soldered circuit board, which is considered an electronic device.

Clean-up and disposal guidelines for CFLs:

Ventilate the room:

• Have people and pets leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out.

• Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more.

• Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system.

Clean-up steps for hard surfaces:

• Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.

• Use sticky tape to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.

• Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.

• Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

Clean-up steps for carpeting or rugs:

• Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag.

• Use sticky tape to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.

• If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.

• Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.

Disposal of clean-up materials:

• Immediately place all cleanup materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the next normal trash.

• Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.

• Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area.

Future Cleaning:

• The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window prior to vacuuming. Keep the heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.

Soure: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency