Oops, you broke a CFL bulb or fluorescent tube. Maybe you dropped it while swapping it out, or it just slipped from your hands. But don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world! Well, unless you ignore it. These bulbs require a little extra TLC when they break because they contain some not-so-friendly substances. Don’t fret, though. We’ve got you covered with a simple guide on how to clean up safely and dispose of your broken bulb like a pro—environmentally, of course!
Why a broken fluorescent tube or bulb requires special care
First things first, why can’t you just toss a broken CFL bulb or fluorescent tube in the trash? Great question! Fluorescent bulbs contain a small amount of mercury that can still be hazardous when broken, so it’s best to handle it with care. When a bulb breaks, mercury turns into vapor and can get into the air, along with phosphor powder, which, while less harmful than mercury, can still pose risks. Add in a bunch of glass shards, and you've got yourself a situation that requires special care. Let's keep it safe, sound, and sustainable!
What to do if you break a fluorescent tube or CFL bulb
Now, the moment of truth: how to clean up a broken bulb without turning it into a disaster. We’ll walk you through it step by step, so you can feel confident and safe.
Pre-cleanup: Keep calm and evacuate
1. Ventilate the room: Open windows and doors to let fresh air in. The more ventilation, the better.
2. Exit stage left: Get out of the room for a bit. This isn’t a fire drill, but you still want to avoid breathing in any mercury vapor.
During cleanup: Gear up and handle with care
3. Get your safety gear: Wear gloves (to keep your hands safe from the glass) and a mask (to avoid inhaling any particles).
4. No vacuuming: Resist the urge to vacuum up the mess. It’ll just spread those tiny pieces of glass and mercury around. Stick to the manual route.
5. Pick up the big pieces: Use cardboard or stiff paper to scoop up any large glass shards. Don’t touch them with your hands—remember, glass is sharp!
6. Use sticky tape: For the tiny bits of glass, roll some sticky tape (like duct tape) over the area to pick them up.
Post-cleanup: Seal it and store it safely
7. Seal the debris: Place all the broken pieces, tape, and gloves into a sealed container—preferably a glass jar or sturdy plastic bag. We want to keep it all contained.
8. Store outside: Keep the sealed container in a well-ventilated area like a garage or outside until you can dispose of it properly. The last thing you want is to forget about it and find it later… yikes!
What to do with a broken CFL bulb or fluorescent tube
Alright, you’ve done the hard part—now it’s time to get that broken bulb out of your life (and out of the environment). It’s crucial to dispose of CFLs and fluorescent tubes the right way to avoid environmental contamination.
Here are some options:
- Recycling centers: Many local recycling centers accept fluorescent bulbs and CFLs. Just make sure to call ahead and confirm they accept these items.
- Retail drop-off programs: Certain retailers like Home Depot and IKEA offer drop-off programs where you can safely dispose of these bulbs while you’re picking up new ones. A win-win!
- Junk removal service: If you're looking for an easy solution, junk pick up services like 1-800-GOT-JUNK? can come to your rescue! We’ll pick up your broken bulb and make sure it’s disposed of properly. However, note that some franchises may classify fluorescent tubes and bulbs as hazardous waste, and may not be able to accept them. Always check first to confirm!
Want to know more about how to dispose of light bulbs? Check out our light bulb disposal guide.
We take all kinds of junk
At 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, we’re experts in junk removal. While we can’t always accept hazardous waste like broken fluorescent tubes or CFLs at every location, we can help with all kinds of other unwanted stuff—furniture, appliances, electronics, and more! If you have other items that need to disappear, you know who to call.
We offer junk removal services across the United States, Canada, and Australia.
