CFL Recycle Program

Valley Electric Association will now accept your burned out Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) in the main lobby.

The following restrictions will apply—

1. The CFL must be whole when delivered. No broken bulbs will be accepted.
2. The CFL must be placed in a zip lock plastic bag. VEA will provide the bag if needed.
3. NO fluorescent tubes of any size will be accepted.

What Should I Do If a CFL Breaks?

Because there is such a small amount of mercury in CFLs, your greatest risk if a bulb breaks is getting cut from glass shards. Research indicates that there is no immediate health risk to you or your family should a bulb break and it’s cleaned up properly. You can minimize any risks by following these proper clean-up and disposal guidelines:

1. Sweep up—don’t vacuum—all of the glass fragments and fine particles.
2. Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up any stray shards of glass or fine particles. Put the used towel in the plastic bag.
3. If weather permits, open windows to ventilate the room.

For more information on CFLs, visit LampRecycle.org or www.earth911.org