EPA Recommendations for Cleaning Up Fluorescent Light Bulb Breakages & Mercury Spills

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are lighting more homes than ever before, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging Americans to use and recycle them safely. Carefully recycling CFLs prevents the release of mercury into the environment and allows for the reuse of glass, metals, and other materials that make up fluorescent lights.

Unbroken fluorescent light bulbs, mercury containing thermostats and thermometers, and properly labeled and secured mercury containing clean-up materials can be brought to the Alexandria Household Hazardous Waste Collection center located at 3600 Wheeler Avenue on Monday and Saturday (except holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Below are EPA recommendations on cleaning up fluorescent light bulb breakages and mercury spills:

Cleaning-up fluorescent light bulb breakages and small amounts of mercury (i.e. thermometers and amounts similar).

1. Have people and pets leave the room; don't let anyone walk through the breakage area or mercury on their way out.
2. Open all windows and doors to the outside; shut all doors to the otehr parts of the house.
3. DO NOT allow children to help you clean up the spill.
4. DO NOT vacuum or use a broom.
5. Follow the EPA recommend clean-up steps.
6. For more mercury clean-up information, call the Alexandria Fire Department HazMat: (703) 838-4652.
7. Properly labeled and secured mercury clean-up materials can be brought to the Alexandria Household Hazardous Waste Collection center located at 3600 Wheeler Avenue on Monday and Saturday (except
holidays) from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Cleaning-up mercury spills of more than the amount of a thermometer, but less than or similar to two tablespoons (one pound):

1. Have everyone else and pets leave the area; don't let anyone walk through the mercury on their way out.
2. Open all windows and doors to the outside.
3. Turn down the temperature.
4. Shut all doors to other parts of the house, and leave the area.
Don't Vacuum!
5. Call the Alexandria Fire Department HazMat team: (703) 838-4652.

Cleaning-up spills of more than two tablespoons (one pound):

Anytime one pound or more of mercury is released into the environment, it is mandatory to call the National Response Center (NRC). The NRC hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call (800) 424-8802.
Note: Because mercury is heavy, only two tablespoons of mercury weigh about one pound.