Mercury Light Bulb Disposal Nyc

The new york state energy research and development authority nyserda and the nysdec are strongly encouraging new yorkers to use and recycle them safely.

Mercury light bulb disposal nyc. Careful recycling of cfls prevents the release of mercury into the environment and allows for the reuse of glass metals and other materials that make up cfls. This will release mercury into the air and greatly increase the level of contamination don t sweep up the mercury or broken glass with a broom. Light bulbs that contain even small traces of mercury are considered hazardous and require special disposal procedures each municipality has specific regulations for the disposal of such materials but luckily there are a number of ways to stay in compliance. When broken incinerated or buried in a landfill they release mercury into the air water and soil and endanger human health and the environment.

Lowes accepts unbroken cfl bulbs. Don t vacuum up the spill or breakage. Disposal options for fluorescent and hid lamps in new york state. Medical waste automotive products mercury containing products electronics.

If a bulb does break clean up the glass carefully and place the glass fragments in a trash. Harmful products brochure 11 14 nyc department of sanitation bureau of recycling and sustainability printed on recycled paper of course. What not to do after a mercury spill. Find a recycling center near you.

Nyc s residential guide to safe handling and disposal 06310. Be extremely careful when handling the mercury containing bulbs you don t want to break one. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled. Recycling cfls and other fluorescent bulbs allows reuse of the glass metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights.

This breaks up the mercury into smaller drops increasing its surface area so that more mercury gets into the air and spread around. Save for reference or recycle it. Learn more about cfls and mercury. Your area may prohibit disposal and or require recycling.