THEY DON'T GO IN YOUR TRASH CAN Disposing of CFLs

CFL's Are Hazardous Waste
CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – an average of 5 milligrams – about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount.

Household CFLs bulbs are categorized as household hazardous waste and must be disposed at one of the following designated centers in Alameda.

If the Bulb Breaks

• The mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs poses no threat while in the bulb, but if you break one:
  
  open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more
  
• use a wet rag to clean it up and put all of the pieces, and the rag, into a plastic bag
  
  
• place all materials in a second sealed plastic bag
  
  
• Take it to one of your local disposal centers (see above)
  
  
• Wash your hands afterward.

For more information on CFL and other hazardous waste disposal:

Zero Waste California

Department of Toxic Substances Control

Back to Main CFLs page