How to dispose of CFL bulbs properly

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - As many of us make the switch to energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, disposing of the bulbs is a different process than you may be used to.

You may have been used to just throwing away your used incandescent light bulbs, but with CFL's, you can't do that.

Compact fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and can't just be thrown away or recycled with everything else.

To dispose of a used CFL you can actually take it to many of the same retailers that you buy your lights from, these retailers can take care of the mercury in a safe way.

However, if a compact fluorescent light bulb breaks in your home, you should open windows, move your pets away from the break and let the room air out to allow the mercury to dissipate.

Then comes the clean up. Carl Combs of Rocky’s Ace Hardware in East Longmeadow told 22News, "They don't recommend vacuuming it, get a piece of paper or a stiff piece of cardboard or a dust pan and scoop up as much of the glass as you can, get a piece of tape, pick up any debris or dust that are on the floor and get a wet cloth and wipe it up."

From there put the pieces in a jar or plastic bag and keep it out of the house until you can get rid of it.

A used or broken compact florescent bulb can also be disposed of on your local DPW's household hazardous waste collection days which happen at certain times during the year.