BEST PRACTICES

What should you do if a fluorescent lamp breaks?

If a fluorescent lamp breaks indoors, close off the room and other parts of the building, open a window and leave the area for at least 15 minutes so that the mercury vapor can dissipate. When you return, scoop up the glass and powder debris with stiff paper and place the material in a sealed container labeled “Broken Fluorescent Lamps.” Never use a vacuum cleaner, which will only disperse the mercury over a wider area (the vacuum cleaner will then need to be handled as a hazardous waste).

How should you dispose of spent fluorescent lamps?

A variety of vendors are available in many areas that are available to recycle fluorescent light bulbs for institutions. In addition, you may often be able to recycle bulbs from your personal (household) use through a local Household Hazardous Waste event or, in some cases, through the Facilities department at your school or university. Always take care not to break these bulbs so as not to release mercury vapor to the air.

Institutions should follow these tips:

• Store unbroken lamps in a box or fiber drum to prevent breakage, and keep that container in a secure, protected area.
• Label the container “Universal Waste - Spent Fluorescent Lamps” and mark it with the date on which you first begin storing the lamps.
• Have these lamps collected by or deliver them to an authorized lamp recycler, hazardous waste transporter, or another universal waste handler within one year of the date marked on the container.