July 2008 Recycling Round-up, Northwest Herald

Dispose of old, broken CFLs properly

By Pat Dieckhoff 

Our family has made a commitment to reduce our use of energy.   One of our projects has been to replace all of our incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps).  We are already saving money on our electrical bill!   

What do we do with the bulbs when they burn out?  (I have heard that they are hazardous and shouldn’t be disposed of in the trash.) 

First of all, the CFLs should not burn out for five to ten year so it will be awhile before you need to replace them. 

Secondly, there are many places you can recycle CFL bulbs.   

Yes, they do contain a very small amount of mercury so they do need to be disposed of as a household hazardous waste.  Actually, the amount of mercury is 100 times less than what is found in a single dental amalgam filling. (Source: USEPA) 

Where can I take my burnt out CFLs? 

Most ACE Hardware stores take CFL bulbs for recycling.  Phone first.   

Home Depot just started recycling CFL bulbs nationwide.   

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County sponsors a recycling drive the second Saturday of each month in which they collect CFL bulbs and tubes.  The location alternates between McHenry and Woodstock.  Fees vary with size.  Contact Defenders for additional information (815) 338-0393 or www.mcdef.org . 

All Illinois Household Hazardous Waste Collection events and permanent facilities recycle CFL bulbs and tubes.  To find out more about upcoming IEPA HHW Collection events or the locations of the permanent facilities in Rockford, Naperville and Chicago, check out the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC website at www.mchenry.edu/recycling .

How do I handle broken CFLs? 

Open a window in the room.  Don’t vacuum up the broken CFL.  It’s best to sweep the pieces into stiff paper or cardboard and put in a metal container.  For more detailed information, see the USEPA instructions for cleaning up a broken CFL at www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index . 

What do I do with the broken CFL bulb? 

ACE Hardware and Home Depot stores will not accept CFL bulbs that are broken.

 Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and the Illinois Household Hazardous Waste Collection events will accept broken CFL bulbs.  They need to be in a closed metal container.   

For more information on CFLs and energy-saving tips for your home or office go to www.energystar.gov . 

Pat Dieckhoff is the Waste Reduction Specialist for the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC.   

The Recycling Round-up is a cooperative effort of the McHenry County Planning and Development Department (815) 334-4560, the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC (815) 479-7817, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (815) 338-0393 and the Algonquin Township Road District.  Please contact any of these groups with your recycling questions. 

The new Green Guide ’08 Recycling Directory for McHenry County is now online at www.mchenry.edu/recycling/greenguide.pdf .  Copies are also available at the above locations and at some village halls and libraries.