How to Clean Up a Broken Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulb

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are made of glass and contain a small amount of mercury. This component is safe to have in the sealed element and is part of what makes these lights such an energy-saving light option. While most of us think of mercury thermometers when we think of mercury, the amount in these light bulbs is significantly less. According to Energy Star, an old fashioned thermometer contained approximately 500 milligrams of mercury, while a CFL contains 1.2 – 4 milligrams. Even though the amount is small, careful clean-up is required when they break. Follow these clean up guidelines to safely remove the broken light bulb and dispose of it properly.

• Allow the room to air out completely.
• Open the windows and turn off any central air/heating units if applicable.
• Everyone, including pets, should exit the house. Utilize exits that do not pass through the room where the CFL bulb has broken.
• After the room has had AT LEAST 15 minutes to air out, return and follow the appropriate cleaning steps below.

You Will Need:

• Glass jar with metal lid or
• Sealable plastic bag
• Wide tape such as duct tape or packing tape
• Stiff cardboard or paper
• Water
• Paper towels
• Rubber gloves (optional)

Steps to Clean Up a Broken Bulb:

1. The goal when cleaning up a broken bulb is to keep all of the pieces contained so they can be disposed of properly. You may want to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
2. Use a stiff piece of paper or cardboard to carefully scoop up all of the broken pieces. Do not use a broom or vacuum to clean up a CFL bulb.
3. Place all pieces inside of the jar or sealable bag.
4. To pick up the smaller pieces and fragments (along with any dust), wrap a wide piece of tape around your hand so the sticky part is on the outside.
5. Carefully blot the area pressing hard enough that the pieces will adhere to the tape.
6. Place the used tape inside the jar or plastic bag.
7. Wipe up the area with moist paper towels.
8. Place all used towels in the jar or bag.
9. Dispose of all materials following the guidelines below.

You Will Need:

• Glass jar with metal lid or
• Sealable plastic bag
• Wide tape such as duct tape or packing tape
• Vacuum
• New bag for vacuum (if applicable)
• Rubber gloves (optional)

Steps to Clean Up a Broken Bulb:

1. The goal when cleaning up a broken bulb is to keep all of the pieces contained so they can be disposed of properly. You may want to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
2. Pick up all of the glass pieces and carefully place them inside of the jar or plastic bag.
3. To pick up the smaller pieces and fragments (along with any dust), wrap a wide piece of tape around your hand so the sticky part is on the outside.
4. Carefully blot the area pressing hard enough that the pieces will adhere to the tape.
5. Place the used tape inside the jar or plastic bag.
6. Only if necessary, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.
7. If you choose to vacuum, remove the bag or the contents (for canister vacuums) and place it in the jar or plastic bag. Wipe out the canister or install a fresh bag before using again.
8. Vacuums can redistribute the harmful particles into the air. For future vacuuming, open the windows and shut off any central heat/air units.
9. Wait 15 minutes after you have finished vacuuming to close the windows and/or turn on the heat/air.
10. Dispose of all used items following the guidelines below.

• Check with local authorities to learn what the guidelines are for disposing of these bulbs/materials in your area. Some areas allow for these items to be removed with the trash while others require they be taken to a recycling center.
• Old CFL bulbs can often be recycled at major home improvement stores such as Home Depot.
• All clean-up materials including gloves, tape, glass pieces, etc. will follow these same disposal guidelines.

• Any clothing that comes in contact with the light bulb materials should be placed in a plastic bag and disposed of properly. Do not attempt to wash items that have had direct contact with the materials in a CFL bulb because the mercury can contaminate the washing machine and sewage systems.
• The clothing that was worn while cleaning up the broken bulb (but did not touch the materials) can be washed and safely worn again.
• If the materials from the CFL light bulb have fallen onto bedding, clothing, or a piece of cloth that it can attach to, the piece should be disposed of following the same guidelines as the materials above.
• This information has been adapted from the Energy Star’s Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury, July 2008.