How to Properly Dispose of Fluorescent Bulbs

Those of us who would like to live green more than likely have already switched from regular incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. Using fluorescent bulbs truly has some great advantages, not only do they last five to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs; they use less energy, reducing fuel emissions at power plants. Furthermore, we do not have to mention the number one advantage of using fluorescent bulbs is that they can save us up to $30 in energy costs over the lifetime of the bulb.

Still, while offering these tremendous advantages to not only our homes but to businesses, schools, and major establishments by lowering energy consumption, fluorescent bulbs can pose some danger to our environment and health. Fluorescent bulbs contain chemical compounds such as fluorine, neon, lead powder, and the toxic heavy metal, mercury. As most of us already know, mercury is poisonous, this and the other chemical compounds mentioned can leach out of landfills and poison our drinking water, soil, and add toxic fumes to the air we breathe.

The University of Illinois at Springfield states, "People need to understand that these bulbs are considered "hazardous" and can cause long term damage to not only the environment, but if broken can cause health problems with people as well. Mercury has the ability to cause humans, as well as animals, serious health problems such as permanent nerve and kidney damage if exposed to."

These dangers prompt some states to make it illegal to place fluorescent or HID (High Intensity Discharge) lamps in the garbage - whether they are intact or broken. Even a small amount of mercury can be harmful to our health.

Here are some ways to properly dispose of fluorescent bulbs:

How to Properly Dispose of Fluorescent Bulbs: Recycle