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Home : Energy Efficient Products : Lighting : Mercury Content and Recycling
Mercury Content and Recycling
What is Mercury?
Mercury is an element found naturally in the environment. Human activities, such as burning
coal for electricity and using mercury in manufacturing, increase the amount of mercury
cycling through the air, water, and soil. According to the EPA, the main sources of mercury
pollution are coal-burning power plants, about 40% of total emissions worldwide. American power plants pump 96,000 pounds of mercury
into the air annually.
Where can mercury be found at home?
Mercury is used in products because of its excellent conductivity and high surface tension so
it can be found almost anywhere!
Why is Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs)?
Mercury is an essential part of a CFL, allowing it to be an efficient light source.
Inside the fluorescent tube there are electrodes at both ends, a gas containing argon
and mercury vapor. A stream of electrons flows between the electrodes at both
ends of the tube. The electrons interact with mercury vapor atoms floating inside the tube.
The mercury atoms become excited, and when they return to an unexcited state, they release
photons of light in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. These ultraviolet photons collide
with the phosphor coating the inside of the tube, and the phosphor glows, creating white light.
How much Mercury is in a CFL?
CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury (an average of 4 to 5 milligrams of mercury) sealed in the glass tubing, which is about enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen.
Is there a difference in Mercury content between ENERGY STAR® and non-ENERGY STAR CFLs?
All ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs have less than 5 milligrams of mercury (some manufacturers are able to produce CFLs that have only 1 milligram of mercury). Avoid purchasing non-ENERGY STAR CFLs, as they can have up to 15 milligrams of mercury in them – three times as much as the maximum amount allowed in an ENERGY STAR CFL.
How can I tell how much Mercury is in a CFL before I purchase one?
As of September 2008, all ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs are required to list their mercury content on the packaging. Avoid purchasing non-ENERGY STAR CFLs because this information is not required on their packaging.
What is Amalgam and what is it doing in my CFL?
Amalgam is solid mercury that is being used more commonly in CFLs.
Does Mercury escape into the atmosphere when using a CFL?
No mercury is released when CFLs remain intact (not broken) or while they are in use. The only
time mercury from a CFL is emitted into the environment is when a CFL breaks. In fact, CFLs
are typically manufactured using recycled materials. If CFLs are recycled properly the
mercury can continue to remain in safe hands and be repurposed for safe and useful purposes.
Does a regular incandescent light bulb really create more Mercury emissions than a CFL?
Yes, in fact, a recent study by the Environmental Protection Agency shows that more Mercury emissions are emitted into the atmosphere when powering an incandescent bulb, because the bulb requires more electricity to operate.. The highest source of mercury in our air comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal, the most common fuel used in the U.S. to produce electricity. A CFL uses 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb and lasts at least 6 times longer.
A power plant emits 10mg of mercury to produce the electricity to run an incandescent bulb and only emits 2.4mg of mercury to run a CFL for the same time. When disposed of properly, CFLs present an opportunity to prevent mercury from entering our air, where it most affects our health.
Can I throw my burned out CFL in the garbage?
New York State households can currently dispose of CFLs as normal household waste. Businesses must follow a different set of regulations regarding the disposal of CFLs. However, NYSERDA and the EPA are encouraging New Yorkers to use and recycle them safely. 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. NYSERDA recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for CFLs, and is working with CFL manufacturers and major U.S. retailers to expand recycling and disposal options.
Why should I recycle my old burned out or broken CFLs?
CFLs have a small amount of mercury in them and they need to be managed properly at the end of their useful lives. Last year alone, American’s purchased 400 million CFLs! It is important to properly recycle CFLs today so there is not a problem in the future.
What happens when my CFL is recycled?
A CFL is like a small computer with all the electronics inside the ballast. When a CFL reaches a recycler, all the components are separated. The glass and mercury are separated and actually resold to manufacturers.
How do I recycle my CFL?
There are several ways to recycle your CFL:
- Check out the resource map for a participating CFL Collection Center near you. The retail stores and civic organizations listed are trained to take in, store, and ship CFLs to professional recyclers who will manage them correctly.
- Take advantage of local recycling options through your municipal landfill or transfer station. Many towns or counties have household hazardous waste collection days where CFLs can be dropped off for recycling. Visit the Department of Environmental Conservation and www.earth911.org for more information.
- Look for organizations that are creating products to recycle CFLs. The U.S. Post Office, Waste Management, IKEA, and other organizations are exploring or implementing CFL recycling programs.
What do I do if a CFL breaks in my house?
A broken CFL containing a small amount of mercury is not likely to present any excess risk to you or your family. However, proper clean-up methods should be followed. These simple clean-up instructions will ensure safe removal of broken CFLs:
- Before clean-up, make sure you ventilate the room. Make sure that people and pets leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area for 15 minutes. Be sure to open a window and shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.
- Clean-up on hard surfaces. Using stiff paper or cardboard, carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid (such as a canning jar), or in a sealed plastic bag. Use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag. DO NOT use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces. This will flick the particles all over the room.
- Clean-up on carpets or rugs. Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag. Use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum only the area where the bulb was broken. Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.
- Disposal of clean-up materials. Immediately place all clean-up materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the next normal trash disposal day. Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.
Useful links:
Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Environmental Conservation
Long Island Power Authority
Lamprecycle.org
Earth911.org
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ENERGY SAVING TIPS
Make sure the seals on your refrigerator, freezer and oven doors fit tightly.
Run your dishwasher only when full.
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