A compact fluorescent (CFL) contains a small amount of mercury that is necessary to produce the light. The following chart compares the mercury content in a CFL to other household items.
Does the mercury contained in compact fluorescents make incandescent bulbs better for the environment?
No. However, although CFLs contain small amounts of mercury, they are far more energy efficient compared to incandescent bulbs. This means CFLs reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electrical generating stations powered by fossil fuels, as well as the need to build new power generating stations. And because CFLs last up to 10 times longer, fewer bulbs and far less packaging end up in landfills.
| Item | Mercury content |
A compact
fluorescent bulb | 5 milligrams |
| A watch battery | 25 milligrams |
| Dental amalgams | 500 milligrams |
| Thermometer | 500 to 2,000 milligrams |
WHAT TO DO WITH BURNED-OUT OR BROKEN CFLs?
Disposal of compact fluorescent bulbs.
Place your burned-out CFLs in a sealed plastic bag and check with your Regional Solid Waste Commission for the preferred methods of disposal in your area (contact information available at New Brunswick Regional Solid Waste Commissions).
Safe cleanup precautions
If a CFL breaks in your home, carefully sweep up the fragments (do not use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to remove all glass fragments (do not use vacuum). Place all fragments and used towel in a sealed plastic bag and follow the same disposal instructions as indicated above.
For more information, visit: Energy Star.
