DID YOU KNOW?
It is illegal to dispose of mercury-containing light bulbs in the trash (under Vermont State Law, as of July 2007). This includes full-size and compact fluorescent light bulbs, standard, u-shaped and circular tubes, UV radiation tubes, and high-intensity discharge bulbs such as mercury-vapor, metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps (the large screw-in type).
WHY?
Mercury is a highly toxic heavy metal. When lamps are broken or thrown into the trash, mercury is released into the environment in the form of an invisible vapor or a bead. There is very little mercury in these lamps. For example, in a typical compact-fluorescent bulb, there is only enough mercury to fill the letter "o" in the word "GOD" on a dime. While this amount is not believed to be enough to cause illness, it is best to avoid any exposure to mercury and prevent its release into the environment where it can damage our lakes and streams and poison fish and wildlife.
For more detailed information on Compact Fluorecent Light Bulbs or Mercury Spills click on the two fact sheets below:
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs*
Mercury Spills
* It's true that compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired electric power plants. However, not all CFLs are created equal. Some bulbs contain more mercury than others, and some don't last as long as others. For a list of the most energy efficient brands of CFLs click here.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY FLUORESCENT BULBS?
Mercury-containing light bulbs are accepted at all CSWD Drop-Off Centers (DOCs), the Environmental Depot, and the Rover (from Chittenden County residents only).
Vermont residents may also bring up to six fluorescent and other mercury-containing bulbs per visit to participating True Value Hardware stores. Click here to find out more.
In addition, Efficiency Vermont sponsors over 100 retail collection sites throughout the state. Click here to see a list with all the locations.
Fees: There is no charge for the first 100 bulbs per year from residents or businesses within Chittenden County. Customers with more than 100 bulbs should take their bulbs directly to the Environmental Depot and will be charged for the amount of bulbs that exceeds 100. For price list please click here .
Handling: Please place bulbs in their original box (if possible) or otherwise secure them to prevent breakage during storage and transport. The DOCs and the Depot will furnish 4' and 8' boxes to customers with large quantities of bulbs upon request. Please do not tape bulbs together.
Broken Bulbs: If a bulb breaks, follow the clean up instructions below and bring the bulb and the remaining debris (contained in a plastic bag) to one of the CSWD facilities listed above. Customers are limited to 5 broken bulbs per day at the DOCs. Any more than that should be brought directly to the Environmental Depot.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU BREAK A FLUORESCENT LAMP
Do not vacuum or sweep the area; it will spread mercury vapor to other areas of the room. Also, keep all people and pets away from breakage area so that mercury powder is not tracked into other areas.
For breakage on a hard surface:
1. Ventilate the area well by closing interior doors and vents, opening windows and any exterior doors in the room, and leaving the room for at least 15 minutes.
2. Remove all materials you can and DO NOT VACUUM OR SWEEP.
Wear disposable gloves, if available.
Carefully scoop up the glass fragments and powder with a stiff piece of paper or cardboard (such as playing cards or index cards).
Pick up any remaining small pieces of glass and powder using sticky tape (such as masking tape or duct tape).
Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe.
3. Place all cleanup materials (cardboard, gloves, tape, etc.) in a plastic bag (and double bag) to seal it; or preferably, place into a glass or rigid container with a lid. Store the bag or container outside of the house in an area inaccessible to children.
4. Wash your hands.
5. Options for proper disposal:
If you live in Chittenden County, bring the bag or plastic container
to the Environmental Depot.
If you live outside of Chittenden County, contact your solid waste department or municipality, or visit the State of Vermont's Mercury Education and Reduction Campaign website or call: 1-800-974-9559 or 802-241-3888.
6. Leave the windows in the affected room or area open as long as practical (weather permitting).
For breakage on carpet:
1. Complete steps 1 through 6 above.
2. If rug is removable, take it outside, shake, and air out as long as practical.
3. (After cleanup and the room or area has been ventilated) The first time you vacuum the area where the CFL was broken, shut the door to the room or close off the area from as much of the rest of the house as possible, and ventilate the room when vacuuming. Remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area, wipe vacuum with wet wipe and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, including cleanup materials, into a plastic bag (double bag it) and store the bag outside the house in an area inaccessible to children. Refer to #5 above for proper disposal options.
4. After vacuuming, keep window open, door closed and children/pets out of room.
5. Consider removal of carpeting section where the breakage has occurred as a precaution when there are infants, small children, and pregnant women present. For questions, call the Vermont Department of Health at (802) 240-5076 (24 hour pager).
For additional questions please call our hotline at 872-8111.
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