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Health & Fitness

Be Smart When the Light Bulb Breaks

Broken CFL Light Bulbs Require Special Care

Broken CFL Light Bulbs Require Special Care

The CFL light bulbs have a longer life, but that life can be shortened if they break. And unlike the old Thomas Edison light bulbs (aka incandescent), they contain a small amount of mercury which, if exposed when a bulb breaks, can be harmful.

Online Resources
The common cleaning method of vacuuming or sweeping them up with a broom and dust pan is NOT the way to go. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Earth 911 outline safe, smart steps to clean up a broken compact florescent light bulb (CFL). Both sites suggest throwing them in the trash or recycling once they are safely contained in a glass jar. You can recycle broken AND unbroken CFLs through our Metro Hazardous Waste Drop-Off.  Stores such as Target, Home Depot and Lowes recycle unbroken CFLs.

Quick Video
We also previewed some YouTube videos and found a short, yet accurate one for you to reference.

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