Compared with regular incandescent light bulbs CFLs offer many benefits.

Save energy - Uses nearly 1/3rd of the energy of a standard incandescent light

Convenient - Last up to 10 times longer

Save an average of $30 or more in energy costs over its lifetime

Prevent 450 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over its lifetime

CFLs produce 70% less heat and can help cut energy costs from home cooling.

Yes, mercury is an essential and irreplaceable element for most energy-efficient light bulbs, including CFLs. The health risks associated with mercury exposure have led manufacturers to reduce the amount of mercury used in fluorescent lighting products. CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing, roughly enough to cover the tip of a ball point pen (5mg).

CFLs are safe to use in your home. No mercury is released when the bulbs are in use. Always screw and unscrew the bulb at its base and never forcefully twist a CFL into a light socket by its glass tubes.

CFLs should be disposed of properly like you dispose paint, batteries, computers, thermostats, and other hazardous household items. Do not throw CFLs away in your household garbage since it contains small amount of Mercury & lead. To find out what to do first check www.earth911.org (where you can find disposal options by using your zip code) or call 1-877-EARTH911 for local disposal options. Alternatively you can check directly with your local waste management agency for recycling options and disposal guidelines in your community. Additional information is available at www.lamprecycle.org.

EPA is continually reviewing its clean-up and disposal recommendations for CFLs to ensure that the Agency presents the most up-to-date information for consumers and businesses. Maine's Department of Environmental Protection released a CFL breakage study report on February 25, 2008. EPA has conducted an initial review of this study and, as a result of this review, updated the CFL cleanup instructions on the back of this sheet.

Before Cleanup of Hard Surfaces or Carpet: Ventilate the Room

Open a window to ventilate and leave the room, restricting access for 15 minutes.

Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system.

Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces

Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with 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.

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.

Clean-Up Steps for Carpeting or Rug

Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with 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 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.

Preferred Disposal of Clean-up Materials

Immediately place all cleanup materials outside the house/building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the next normal trash pick-up. If your local recycling center or HHW accepts CFLs, please take clean-up materials to one of these locations for disposal.

Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.

Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rug: Ventilate the Room During and After Vacuuming

The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window prior to vacuuming.

Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.