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5 <br />COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS (CFL) AND FLUORESCENT TUBES: <br />Fluorescent bulbs include compact fluorescent (aka 'twirly') lights also known as CFL's, circular <br />fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes and ballasts. All of these contain mercury, a hazardous material <br />that may not be disposed in the trash. Even the reduced - mercury- content fluorescent lamps, typically <br />with green metal ends, must be recovered for recycling. As CFLs are hazardous waste, they should be <br />taken to the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility located at 1514 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, or <br />the HHW facility located at the Walnut Grove Waste & Recycling Center, 3605 Walnut Grove Church Rd, <br />Hillsborough. If someone plans to bring more than 20 bulbs, they should contact the Solid Waste <br />Administration Office at 919 - 968 -2788 to make an appointment. Businesses in Orange County are also <br />able to utilize this service. Businesses and other private institutions are required by law to recycle <br />fluorescent lamps if they produce more than a certain amount per year. <br />Care should be taken to not break fluorescent tubes during transport to the HHW facility. Bulbs should <br />be placed in a cardboard box or taped together to ensure safety. <br />In the event of a CFL breaking, the following actions are recommended by the US EPA to reduce <br />exposure to mercury vapor: <br />1. Before cleanup: <br />a. Have people and pets leave the room. <br />b. Air out the room for 5 -10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor <br />environment. <br />c. Shut off the central forced air heating /air conditioning (H &AC) system, if you have <br />one. <br />d. Collect materials needed to clean up broken bulb. <br />2. During cleanup: <br />a. Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder. <br />b. Place cleanup materials in a sealable container. <br />3. After cleanup: <br />a. Promptly place all bulb debris and clean up materials outdoors in a trash container or <br />protected area until materials can be disposed of properly. Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or <br />cleanup materials indoors. <br />b. For several hours, continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave <br />the H &AC system shut off. <br />