How to Dispose of Light Bulbs

The invention of electric light bulb during 1879, by Thomas Alva Edison is one of the milestones in human history. Now, we have light bulbs in different varieties like incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs (a type of incandescent bulbs), fluorescent, compact fluorescent and LEDs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs and incandescent ones are commonly found in households today. CFLs, though little bit expensive, as compared to the incandescent types, are fast getting popular, for their energy-saving properties. Whatever may be the type, you must know what are the safety hazards associated with them and how to dispose of light bulbs, without causing any such hazard.

Light Bulb Safety Hazards

Incandescent bulbs were widely used in almost all regions of the word, till the advent of the fluorescent light bulbs. This new entrant, which is highly energy-efficient, is fast gaining popularity. But, is there any health hazard associated with these bulbs? Incandescent bulbs pose of risk of breakage, which means the broken pieces pose a risk of injury to those who handle it, while cleaning. But this is not the case with fluorescent bulbs that may pose a serious health hazard, if not disposed properly. This is because of the mercury contained in the bulb. Though, each bulb has very small amount of mercury in it, collectively, they may pose a health risk. So, a fair understanding about the proper ways to dispose of light bulbs will prove helpful in preventing certain health hazards to the society as a whole.

Light Bulb Disposal Tips

As mentioned above, proper disposal of light bulbs, especially, the CFLs, is very much important. It has been observed that there are many, who lack awareness about the proper methods of disposing light bulbs. Go through the following paragraphs for understanding more about the subject.

Incandescent Light Bulbs

As compared to the fluorescent versions, incandescent light bulbs do not pose a serious health risk. But, it is always better to dispose incandescent as well as halogen bulbs in the proper manner, so as to avoid injury to those who handle trash. If you want to dispose of burned out incandescent bulb, along with the trash, make sure that it is wrapped in newspaper first and then placed in a sealed cardboard box. Now, mark the box with a warning note and dispose it. It will be much better, if you collect burned out incandescent bulbs and dispose them at recycling centers. In case of broken incandescent bulb, gather the scattered pieces and pack them in a paper towel, before placing in a sealable plastic bag or container. You may also dispose of light bulbs, by breaking them inside a container that has to be sealed before disposal.

CFL Light Bulbs

While incandescent bulb is not a real health hazard, fluorescent bulbs need some attention, as far as its disposal is concerned. These bulbs contain small amount (around 5 milligrams in each bulb) of mercury, in the form of powder. Even though, there are very less chances of breakage of CFLs, you must be cautious while cleaning up the shattered pieces. Don't use broom or vacuum cleaner for cleaning. Remove kids, pets, diseased people and pregnant women from the vicinity and turn of the fan and air conditioners. This is to block air movement that can make the mercury particle air-borne. Close the doors and windows and wear a mask and rubber gloves. Use a cardboard to pick up the broken pieces that have to be placed inside a sealable plastic bag or container. Use damp paper towels to wipe of the powder. If your clothes or other materials get heavily contaminated, dispose them of. If the contamination is mild, wipe of with damp paper towels and then wash them. Dispose the glass pieces, paper towels used for wiping and other contaminated material in a sealed packing and stick a warning note on the pack. Burned out CFLs have to be packed and sealed before disposing with a warning note. But, it is always better to collect them and dispose of in a recycling center that is approved for safe disposal of CFLs. Avoid recycling centers that incinerate trash, as this will result in release of mercury into the atmosphere.

Now, you know more about how to dispose of fluorescent light bulbs as well incandescent ones. So try to dispose light bulbs in the right manner, so as to prevent the health hazards posed by them.