It finally happened... Now what do? (CFL burned out)

[bladehorn]

I just had my first compact florescent bulb burned out today.
Pretty good life for a light bulb. It got about 6 yrs of constant use on & off multiple times a day it is the most used lamp in the house.
My question is now that it is burned out what am I supposed to do with it? I know there is Mercury in them and that are not supposed to be just thrown away in the garbage.
I can't imagine there is a drop off for these on every street corner. Re we suppose to put them in our recycle bins with the rest of our glass?

Just thought I'd ask since I have never had one burn out before but once one goes you there is going to be more to follow and I want to take care of them properly.

[ampersat]

I'd put it in a bag and stash back in a corner of a cabinet somewhere until you acquire enough of them to have to do something with them.

[Bloom]

Originally Posted by ampersat

I'd put it in a bag and stash back in a corner of a cabinet somewhere until you acquire enough of them to have to do something with them.

Excellent!! No use in making a special trip to dispose of one bulb. You'll off-set the savings you've experienced by burning more fossil fuel. That's terrible service out of that bulb. I'd take it back and demand a replacement or refund, immediately: ) Actually, it seems that those bulbs do carry a generous warranty and i'm sure the manufacturer is betting that most people don't keep their receipts that long.

[fishkisser]

The dump/recyclers will charge you for disposal by the foot for long florescent lamps ...
I really don't know how they charge for the compacts ...
Good for you for not throwing them in the trash unawares ...

[fish_on]

I just throw them in the trash like any other bulb.

[Chrome Bumper]

Call METRO. Check your local paper, I think the last Saturday of the Month the St Helens transfer station takes household hazardous waste, like paint, CFL, aerosol cans etc.

[Newbs]

I keep a 5 gallon bucket in my garage for bulb recycle. I have it double lined with plastic and I keep a lid on it. When it's full, I take it to the transfer station.

[duckboy]

You'd better brace yourself.... this is where you are at per the EPA.


http://www.facebook.com/share_redire...id=17454031661

Start it at about 1:50 ... to get to the specifics of exactly what to do when one breaks. (all lightbulbs will break eventually)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfGDQWXirnI&NR=1 and in the U.K It is also becoming a problem

[CATCH AND EAT]

Call the "EPA" and report it as a hazardous waste exposure. They will send a team to dispose of it for around $3000.

[StinkyH]

Originally Posted by duckboy

You'd better brace yourself.... this is where you are at per the EPA.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-LOtKIIKcg

That's great. Thanks for posting this. The comment about 'made in China' was nice as well.