How do I properly dispose of a CFL bulb?

The most important steps to reduce exposure to mercury vapor from a broken bulb are:

1. Before cleanup



1. Have people and pets leave the room.



2. Air out the room for 5-10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor environment.



3. Shut off the central forced air heating/air conditioning (H&AC) system, if you have one.



4. Collect materials (i.e. stiff paper or cardboard, sticky tape, damp paper towels and a glass jar with a lid) needed to clean up the broken bulb.



2. During cleanup



1. Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder.



2. Place cleanup materials in a sealable container.



3. After cleanup



1. Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be properly disposed. Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors.



2. For several hours, continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the HVAC system shut off.

Sources: U.S. EPA ENERGY STAR^®; Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.