Local CF bulb disposal
From Valerie Harvey, Supervisor Solid Waste & Transit for the City of Brockville:
Based on tender results for the Household Hazardous Waste Day, CFL's may be included in the items collected and that will be identified in the ads for the event. In the meantime please note the information below.
Q. What should I do if a Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) breaks?
A. Because there is such a small amount of mercury in CFLs, your greatest risk if a bulb breaks is getting cut from glass shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to you or your family should a bulb break and it's cleaned up properly. You can minimize any risks by following these proper clean-up and disposal guidelines:
- Sweep up-don't vacuum-all of the glass fragments and fine particles.
- Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or fine particles. Put the used towel in the plastic bag as well.
Q. How should I dispose of a Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL)?
A. Place the CFL in a plastic bag and seal it before putting it in the household refuse.
The City's Household Hazardous Waste Day flyer was distributed today. Among other materials, it states that residents may bring "4 ft and compact flourescent light tubes".
If you only have a few items to return, why not chum with a neighbour or two? You'll be helping to reduce the traffic, and save on your disposal costs.
REAL/Smiths Falls and FABR have advised us that Home Depot is now offering recycling for CFL bulbs:
"Bring your expired CFLs to any The Home Depot store, and be assured that each bulb will be recycled safely. At all Home Depot stores across Canada, customers will find a CFL bulb recycling unit located at the entrance by the special services desk. Customers can simply bring in their expired CFL bulbs, place them in one of the plastic bags provided and deposit it into the display. For more information visit homedepot.ca/EcoOptions."