- Compact fluorescent light bulbcompact isolated light bulb image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a great energy saver. According to Energy Star, they use about 75 percent less energy than conventional light bulbs. When a CFL breaks, however, specific precautions have to be taken in order to properly dispose of the bulb, - If a compact fluorescent light bulb breaks while still in its socket, turn off the electricity to the bulb. If the bulb is in a lamp, unplug the lamp. If the bulb is in an overhead fixture, turn off the breaker that feeds the fixture. This is the first safety step when working with any electrical appliance, since the risk of electrocution is great if you do not disconnect the power source.
- If the bulb is shattered, do not use your bare hands to remove the bulb. After making sure the electricity is turned off or the lamp is unplugged, cut a potato in half across the short side so you end up with two stubs rather than two long halves. Gently push the potato onto the broken bulb, and unscrew the bulb by turning the potato. If the potato won't push on to the shards of glass easily, do not force it, but rather take the lamp to a qualified electrician for removal and replacement of the bulb.
- Energy Star states that all compact fluorescent bulbs have trace amounts of mercury in them. When cleaning up after a CFL breaks, Energy Star first recommends that you air out the room. If glass fragments are scattered, do not use a broom or your hands to pick them up. Rather, Energy Star recommends using a piece of stiff cardboard or duct tape to pick up the fragments and placing all waste inside a jar with a lid for proper disposal. If you used a potato to remove the broken bulb, make sure the jar is big enough to hold it as well.
- Do not simply throw the bulb in the garbage. Since the bulb contains traces of mercury, a known environmental toxin, Energy Star recommends taking the jar with the broken bulb to an EPA-approved recycling center.
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