Today we are all aware of our impact on the earth and atmosphere. The bulbs containing mercury are no doubt an element of that. Without getting too technical or detailed, I hope to provide the information you need to recycle or properly dispose of these types of bulbs. This is not intended as a general outline of all requirements and regulations. What I do is to give general guidance as to what to do with mercury light bulbs and provide resources that give all the nitty gritty details.
What bulbs beware:
Energy efficient light bulbs containing mercury should always be recycled or disposed of properly if do break. Why? For the same reasons that a pregnant woman should not eat deep-sea fish, you should minimize exposure to yourself and your family to mercury, either a light bulb or a broken thermometer (the kind of age). Mercury is used in energy bulbs: fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent bulbs, HID lamps (mercury vapor, high pressure sodium and metal halide.)
You might ask why use these bulbs if they pose a problem for our environment. Manufacturers in the last 20 years have been making great progress in the reduction and elimination of mercury from these bulbs energy. Using these bulbs, although containing small amounts of mercury, is even better for our environment that the use of less efficient light bulbs. The savings in harmful coal production by power plants that consume considerably greater than the impact of mercury in light bulbs ….. especially when they have properly. The Energy Star website explains how compact fluorescent light bulbs save more than 400 pounds of emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Recycling Bulbs:
We recommend always recycle mercury light bulbs. Depending on whether you are recycling the bulbs in your home or workplace, their method can be a little different. The recycling of the mercury content of bulbs is done in many places around the country. The EPA website has a wonderful system that will link connect with the authorized companies in your area that will take bulbs from residential customers and small businesses sometimes.
rel = "nofollow" href = "http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/id/univwast/lamps/live.htm"> http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/id/univwast / lamps / live.htm Please visit the specific requirements in your area. Some companies provide them free and others may charge a nominal fee. These centers can often recycle various parts of the bulb.
If Use these lamps in a large business, you have to follow more specific rules and measures. What follows is a link to the page on the site EPA that describes this set of guidelines for you. rel = "nofollow" href = "http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/id/univwast/lamps/recycle.htm"> http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/id/univwast / lamps / recycle.htm
What to do if your local environmental regulatory agency does not provide disposal options? EPA recommends that you double bag all fluorescent and compact fluorescent HID lamps in plastic bags and placing them for collection regular trash. Ultimately, the state EPA may have specific requirements for recycling of fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs. Please consult your local or state environmental regulatory agency.
Disposal:
Three words: ventilate, evacuate and remove. These guidelines are for homeowners or small offices only. There are several Nevers. Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean the whole thing. Never use a broom to sweep as the will of spread the mercury around. Never pour mercury down the drain or sink could corrode your pipes. Never wash the clothes that have been in direct contact. This could damage your washing machine. And lastly, never walk in the shoes that have come into direct contact with mercury.
What do you do? Open windows and doors to allow the steam to escape from the area. Turn off heat / air unit so that the vapors do not spread through his house. Have everyone leave the area where the break occurred and remove all pets. It is never a bad idea to wear disposable plastic gloves. If you are on a hard surface, use a heavy piece of paper or paperboard collect the tear. If the carpet, carefully pick up the pieces and place in a glass container or double plastic bags in bags. Use a strong tape to collect small particles that are not retired and have them in the jar or bag. If on a hard surface, wipe the area clean with a disposable wipe. If the carpet, the vacuum only to small particles and dispose of the vacuum bag or wipe the bowl clean with a disposable wipe.
Place all cleaning materials out in a place outside the road for the next garbage collection. Some states require certain restrictions on their disposal. Ask the local or state environmental agency to determine the rules that apply to you.
Safe and proper disposal or recycling of mercury light bulbs that burn forever is recommended. Most states follow either the federal EPA standards or California standards. It is important to educate your self and help us keep our air clean.
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