Proper Disposal: Three words: Ventilate, Evacuate and Eradicate. These guidelines are for homeowners or small offices only. There are several nevers. Never use the vacuum to clean up the whole thing. Never use a broom to sweep as the will spread the mercury around. Never pour mercury down your sink drain or it could corrode your pipes. Never wash clothes that have come in direct contact. This could damage your washing machine. And finally, never walk around in shoes that have come in direct contact with mercury.

What do you do? Open windows and doors to allow the vapor to escape the area. Turn off your heat/air unit so that the vapors are not spread through your home. Have everyone leave the area where the breakage occurred and remove all pets. It’s never a bad idea to wear disposable plastic gloves. If it’s on a hard surface, use a heavy piece of paper or cardboard to scoop up the breakage. If on carpet, carefully pick up the pieces and place them in a glass jar or double bagged plastic bag. Use a heavy duty tape to pick up small particles that are not already removed and dispose of in the same jar or bag. If on a hard surface, wipe area clean with a disposable wipe. If on carpet, vacuum the small particles ONLY and dispose of the vacuum bag or wipe the canister clean with a disposable wipe.

Place all clean-up materials outside in an out-of-the way place for the next trash pickup. Some states require certain disposal restrictions. Check with local or state environmental agency to determine rules that apply to you.

Safe and proper disposal or recycling mercury light bulbs that are burned out is always recommended. Most states follow either the federal EPA rules or California’s rules. It’s important to educate your self and help us keep our air clean.

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