How Do You Dispose Of Used UV Lamps?
Whether for killing mold, growing plants or keeping reptiles as pets, most ultraviolet (UV) lamps use mercury-containing–also known as compact fluorescent (CFL)–bulbs. However, simply throwing away used UV lamps can release metallic mercury into the environment. When special cyanobacteria in the water table come into contact with metallic mercury, they metabolize it into the highly-toxic “methyl mercury” ion [HgCH3], which is readily absorbed into animal tissue. To combat the proliferation of this dangerous pollutant, turn to your local CFL bulb recycling center. Visit LampRecycle’s website (see Resources). Type “CFL” in the first text box in the lower, hand-right box titled “Find a recycling location.” Type your ZIP code into the second text box below. Click “GO.” Click on the name of the nearest recycling center to get the address and directions of the nearest recycling center near you. Not every center will take used UV lamps, so finding one is imperative. Place the bulbs in the c
