How Lamp Recycling Can Prevent Mercury Exposure
ShareMercury can be detrimental to your health because it is toxic to your nervous system. To feel the affects, you have to get exposed to this element. Mercury poisoning occurs from breathing in contaminated air, drinking contaminated water or eating mercury contaminated fish. This element also can enter your body through skin contact. Read on to find out how to limit your exposure with the help of lamp recycling.
Stop The Release Of Mercury Into The Environment
Some light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury. When a light bulb blows, it is common to just throw it into the trash. These light bulbs often break when thrown into the dumpster, incinerators, trash compactors or landfills. This results in mercury being released into the environment. If you want to prevent the release of this element, then you should recycle.
Know The Types Of Bulbs
Lamps are a name given to all types of light bulbs. They are not the main source of pollution. However, if you put enough into the garbage can, then lamps can add mercury to your environment. You also need to know what lamps contain mercury:
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
- Tanning bulbs
- Bug zappers
- Black lights
- Germicidal bulbs
- Linear fluorescent tubes
It helps to look on the pack that comes with the lamps to find out any information about the contents. You have to do your part and recycle the bulbs properly.
Research Recycling Services
You can get started by researching the recycling services in your local community. Many cities offer waste collection service along with their garbage service. They collect certain items on a schedule at different times of the year. There are also businesses that collect certain items for recycling. For example, hardware stores will take your bad CFLs.
It also helps to contact bulb manufacturers. Some manufacturers offer pre-labeled recycling kits. These kits allow you to mail used bulbs to recycling centers. You can fill the kit with old bulbs, seal it and leave it with your postal carrier.
You are living in an environment that requires more awareness. This awareness must cover all aspect of life from your children's school to the food you eat. It means paying attention to the news, going to local council meetings and getting information from credible websites.
You have a duty to make your community better and safer. Recycling your used bulbs is a step in the right direction. To learn more, contact a business such as Cleanlites.