Most people are now becoming aware that energy efficient light globes save energy and therefore help the environment. What many people may not realise is that energy efficient light globes contain small quantities of mercury that can be released into the atmosphere if the globe should break.

Safety tips you should know:

• Energy efficient light bulbs contain around 5 milligrams of mercury
• A sealed energy efficient light bulb is deemed to be safe for human use
  
• If broken, do not touch with bare hands
• Wear disposable face mask (available from most supermarkets)
  
• Do not vacuum parts of broken energy efficient light bulb
• Clean with a wet cloth
• Wear gloves
  
• Seal in plastic bag and place in household rubbish
• Do not place in recycling bin - broken CFL globes may contaminate recyclables
• If globe has blown but remains intact, contact your local council for recycling services
  

To balance this out, fossil fuel burning contributes to 80% of mercury in the atmosphere, so the energy efficient light globes actually reduce mercury in the atmosphere by reducing energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels. Compact fluorescent light globes also help to reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions.



















For energy efficient light globe disposal in your area:


Australia:
Ikea Energy Efficient Light Bulb Recycling Service
Planet ARK - Search for Energy Efficient Light Bulb Recycling in Your Area




USA:

Disposal of Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

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