How do I dispose of fluorescent tubes in Arizona?
Simply drop off the fluorescent tube in the box toward the front of the store or leave it with a store associate. Alternatively, you can contact the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality for upcoming programs and drop-off days and locations.
How do I dispose of fluorescent lights in Phoenix?
General Light Bulbs – Fluorescent 4 foot bulbs Mercury, lead Toxic Recycle them by taking them to the next HHW event for recycling. Used bulbs can also be placed into trash. See www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/wastetypes/universal/ lamps/basic.
Does Lowe’s or Home Depot recycle fluorescent tubes?
The biggest market for CFL recycling is retailers (like Home Depot and Lowe’s), which accept them for free but only from consumers. CFLs are more widely purchased by consumers in these retail stores, whereas fluorescent tubes are more often used in offices.
How do I dispose of fluorescent bulbs near me?
Take lamps and tubes to a household hazardous waste collection center or event. Find where to recycle or dispose fluorescent lamps and tubes at Where Can I Recycle My…?, or Earth 911, or call 800 CLEAN-UP (253-2687). Enter your zip code to find the nearest recycling center.
What is the correct procedure for disposing of fluorescent tubes?
To safely dispose of the tubes or lamps, you will need to locate a specialised recycling service – these are sometimes available in hardware stores – however, it is important to note that the majority of these recycling services will not accept broken or damaged fluorescent tubes.
Does Lowes charge to recycle fluorescent tubes?
Lowe’s does recycle some light bulbs that need recycling such as CFL and fluorescent light bulbs in-store, free of charge.
How do you dispose of fluorescent lights at Lowes?
Keep in mind Lowe’s stores offer a recycling center (usually near the entrance) that accepts plastic bags, CFL bulbs, rechargeable batteries, and cellphones. Lowe’s also accepts plastic planter pots and cases in the garden center for recycling.
Can you smash a fluorescent tube?
Yes, but only if broken so it’s important that you handle flu tubes safely. Fluorescent tubes contain mercury, which can be dangerous if released so be careful not to break them.
Are fluorescent tubes recycled?
How are fluorescent tubes disposed of? While previously, fluorescent bulbs were predominantly disposed of in landfill sites, it is possible to recycle fluorescent tubes. The fluorescent tube recycling process is not dissimilar to the way in which traditional light bulbs are recycled.
Is it safe to break a fluorescent light bulb?
When broken, mercury vapors may be released into the air. The mercury released from broken bulb is mostly in vapor form. If properly cleaned up, broken bulbs or CFLs do not pose a serious health risk.
How much mercury is in a 4 foot fluorescent bulb?
approximately 12 mg
The average mercury content of a 4-foot-long bulb manufactured today is approximately 12 mg. Bulbs manufactured in the mid-1980s and earlier con- tained 40 mg or more. Low-mercury bulbs, containing 4 mg or less, are currently produced by at least one manufacturer.
How do I dispose of light bulbs?
Incandescent bulbs and lamps can be tossed into the trash. If a bulb is broken, wrap it first in paper or plastic before placing it in your trash bin. This prevents broken edges from cutting through your garbage bag and creating a mess, and it helps protect you and your waste hauler from accidental injury.
What is the white powder in fluorescent tubes?
phosphor
The white powder that you see inside a fluorescent light bulb is called phosphor, which is a substance that emits visible light whenever it absorbs ultra violet energy waves. The phosphor used in a fluorescent light bulb is what determines both the color temperature and the color rendering index.
Is fluorescent tubes poisonous?
Even though the amount of mercury is relatively small, fluorescent lights must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can cause severe damage to the brain, nervous system, kidneys, lungs, and other vital organs. Pregnant women, infants, and young children are especially at risk.
Is the white stuff in light bulbs poisonous?
Broken fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs DO contain mercury, a toxic metal. Follow the EPA’s guidelines for a safe clean up. Next, put all the broken glass, white powder from the tube, and the paper towel you wiped the area with, in a ziplock bag or sealed container.
Why is the inner wall of fluorescent lamp coated with fluorescent powder?
Mercury and other gases inside of the lamp reach an excited state producing radiant energy also known as UV light. The UV light strikes the inner walls of the lamp which are covered in phosphor, which converts the energy to visible light.
Why is mercury filled in fluorescent lamp?
Small amounts of mercury can be released into the environment when CFLs break, or if they are improperly disposed of at the end of their useful lives. Mercury, an essential part of CFLs, allows a bulb to be an efficient light source.
Why is mercury used in fluorescent lamp?
A fluorescent lamp, or fluorescent tube, is a low-pressure mercury-vapor gas-discharge lamp that uses fluorescence to produce visible light. An electric current in the gas excites mercury vapor, which produces short-wave ultraviolet light that then causes a phosphor coating on the inside of the lamp to glow.
What is the purpose of mercury in fluorescent lights?
Mercury is an essential element in the operation of fluorescent lighting; it allows the bulbs to be an efficient light source. Because CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury, it is important to educate yourself on proper use, recycling and disposal of these products.
Do new light bulbs contain mercury?
The Full Story. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury. A small percentage of this mercury can be released into the air if the bulbs are broken. Mercury also can be released into the environment if bulbs are not recycled properly.
Can you get mercury poisoning from a broken CFL bulb?
The tiny amount of mercury you’re exposed to when breaking a CFL is extremely unlikely to cause any ill effects, noticeable or otherwise. But how do you minimize even this tiny amount of risk? Remove children and pets from the room, and then clean up the broken bulb as quickly as possible.
What if I vacuumed up a broken CFL?
* If you already vacuumed a broken CFL: For a recent break (within a couple of days of the break): Air out the house for up to several hours to get rid of any remaining mercury vapor and change your vacuum cleaner bag or wipe out the dust cup.
What is the healthiest light bulb to use?
incandescent light bulb
On its own, an incandescent light bulb produces the purest, most natural form of artificial lighting. We suggest using incandescent or halogen bulbs throughout the day + night if you’re after a greater sense of well-being.
Can you wash mercury out of clothes?
NEVER use a washer or dryer to clean clothing that became contaminated with liquid mercury. The washer and dryer can become contaminated with mercury. If these items are contaminated with mercury, they are very difficult to clean and may have to be disposed as hazardous waste.