Light Bulb Recycling on Goodfellow

  • Published
  • By Art Silver
  • 17th Civil Engineer Squadron
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas-- --  CFL (compact florescent lamp) bulbs are commonly used by most federal installations, businesses and schools due to their longer lifespan and energy savings over traditional incandescent bulbs. Typical CFLs on base include long tube like overhead lights or the "Curly Q" style round bulbs found in desk lamps and wall fixtures.

Many people do not know that virtually every part of a CFL bulb is recyclable. CFL bulbs are just one of the many items frequently recycled as part of Goodfellow's Qualified Recycled Program. Recycling is an important part of the Air Forces Pollution Prevention programs, which strives to eliminate waste through a hierarchy of source reduction actions available to us all.

When recycling light bulbs, used CFL's should be brought to Building 509. This building is open 24 hours a day and is located at the northwestern end of the base on Fort Lancaster Avenue. Some civilian stores also have turn-in programs that allow you to recycle CFL's off base.

When dropping off light bulbs at the recycling center, please place them in the onsite receptacles provided. Unbroken bulbs should be placed in the wooden shadow boxes and rectangular plastic bins depending on size. Bulbs can also be brought over and deposited in their original boxes, provided the ends of the boxes are sealed with tape.

Broken bulbs should be put in a plastics bag prior to leaving your facility. Broken bulbs should be placed in the red and black 55 gallon drum, which features a spring closing lid. A broom and dust pan are available to sweep up any loose glass or bulbs parts.

Due to their contents and special handling requirements, CFL's have been classified by the EPA as Universal Waste. Universal Waste is considered a subset of Hazardous Waste. Failure to properly store Hazardous Waste can result in a fine of $25,000 a day under the cradle-to-grave requirements of 40 CFR 262.

Mercury is a common substance used in CFL's to increase energy efficiency. A typical CFL bulb contains around 4 milligrams of mercury. This amount is far lower than the typical 500 milligrams found in traditional thermometers. The health risk posed by one or two light bulbs breaking is very low. However, mercury has a cumulative effect inside animals and humans. At elevated levels, mercury can cause damage to the respiratory tract, brain, kidneys and central nervous system. Mercury may also cause birth defects. Phosphor is another chemical utilized in CFL's to make the light more appealing to the human eye. If phosphor enters a cut or wound it can prevent blood clotting. Because CFL's use a gas illumination system to generate light, they are typically under a positive or negative pressure. This pressure can result in a shrapnel hazard when these bulbs are broken.

If CFL bulbs are broken at your home or facility, open a window immediately to let the vapors dissipate. After 10-15 minutes of airing out time, put on gloves and safety glasses and carefully clean up the debris with a broom and dust plan. Use a damp cloth and tape to ensure all pieces of glass are picked up.

For more help with CFL bulbs or any of your facility's recycling needs please contact the Environmental Department at (325) 654-3456 or (324) 654-3299.