Light Bulb Disposal?

Post by **krisw** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:31 pm

Does anyone know where the proper place to dispose of our PC/T5 fluorescent light bulbs is? Is there a recycling dropoff that anyone knows about? I've got a few years worth of PC bulbs that I've been hanging onto since I don't want to throw mercury stuff in the trash.

Post by **krisw** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:40 pm

Nevermind... Just found out. For Howard County:

http://www.co.ho.md.us/DPW/HazardousWaste.htm

I wonder how many tons of this stuff never makes it there.

JMLenke · Post by **JMLenke** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:50 pm

The hype over the amount of mercury etc inside those bulbs has been GREATLY exaggerated to the point where you will get charged 1500+ to "clean" up if a bulb breaks.

Every building i have worked in changes their fixtures as the bulbs die, in a multi story building that is a ton of lights that are constantly being changed. NONE of them have EVER recycled the bulbs.

I am much more worried about the oil, batteries and computers that are dumped in the garbage vs the occasional home bulb.

Jeff120 · Post by **Jeff120** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 1:52 pm

I usually just take mine and throw them in the Patapsco river.

Post by **krisw** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 2:14 pm

Well, I won't dispute that the news likes to exaggerate "hazardous health issues," but on the other hand, I don't take the "this is how our building has always done it" excuse as valid either; just because throwing it in the trash takes it out of your worry, doesn't mean that it's not actually doing harm somewhere else. I agree that the oil/batteries/computers are equally a problem, that I was pleased to find there is a place in the county to take it to. (My closet will be nearly empty.)

Even if the amount of mercury in one bulb isn't terrible, I'd rather take it to the right place, as I'll be using many bulbs over the years. Besides, they're already finding mercury in fish in the wild, so it's coming from somewhere.

Jeff U - no comment.

Jeff120 · Post by **Jeff120** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 6:16 pm

That was a joke incase anyone thought I was serious

Post by **krisw** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 7:06 pm

I don't think anyone mistook you. Clearly, you dump them in one of the streams feeding into the Patapsco.

Ltrepeter2000 · Post by **Ltrepeter2000** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 8:50 pm

Not that it would have much effect on any river in this area.....if anything it might help clean it up

maddog10 · Post by **maddog10** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:27 pm

I watched a "How do they make...." special on lights. They add 1 very small drop of mercury per light. Of course it all adds up eventually (usually in the white perch that taste soooooo good).

Jeff120 · Post by **Jeff120** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:38 pm

OK, just want to make that clear!

I saw that too, on How it's made, good show

Light Bulb Disposal?

Light Bulb Disposal?

Sponsors