Media Release

4:25 p.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The use of energy efficient fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) is increasing due to their ability to reduce energy usage.   These fluorescent lamps should be properly handled and recycled due to the small amount of mercury they contain in order to help protect the environment.

It is important to know what to do if a fluorescent lamp breaks. If a fluorescent lamp should break in your home, the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department recommends the following guidelines for cleanup:

• Open a window, leave the room and restrict access for at least 30 minutes.
  
• Pick up all the material that you can, wearing disposable gloves. Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with cardboard or paper. Tape can be used to pick up small pieces and powder. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towel or disposable wet wipes.
  
• Double bag and recycle; place the broken lamp and cleanup materials in double plastic bags and seal the bags.  Take the materials to the Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Center (HWCC) for proper disposal.  The HWCC is located at 5125 NE 63rd Avenue, (2 miles N. of 39th Ave. off Waldo Rd.), in Gainesville.  The phone number is 352-334-0440.
  
• Wash your hands after clean-up to prevent contamination.

Alachua County provides free fluorescent light recycling for County residents. Burned out fluorescent and CFLs can be taken to the following locations for free recycling.  Businesses are limited to disposing lamps only at the Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Center for a small fee.

• The Lighting Gallery,  2430 NW 6th Street,  (352)-377-8147
• George's Hardware,  3424 W University Avenue,  (352)-372-6842
• Zell's Ace Hardware,  3727 W University Avenue,  (352)-378-4650
• Hawthorne Ace Hardware,  6910 SE 221st Street, Hawthorne, (352)-481-9928
• High Springs Ace Hardware, 40 S. Main St., High Springs, (386)-454-0622   
• Newberry Ace Hardware, 25155 W. Newberry, (352)-472-2525
• Alachua Ace Hardware, 14838 Main St, Alachua (386)-462-1201
• Indigo Green Store,  322 SW 4th Avenue, (352)-378-2285
• Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Center, 5125 NE 63rd Avenue (2 miles N. of 39th Ave. off Waldo Rd.)
• Five Alachua County Rural Collection Centers, call (352)- 334-0440 for locations and hours of operations. 

For more information contact Alachua County Household Hazardous Waste Coordinator, Kurt Seaburg at 352-334-0440.

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