Information for Residents
Be a Community Leader and Do the Right Thing. It's Easy!Fluorescent BulbsFluorescent lights contain mercury, a metal hazardous to human health and the environment. Any bulb with the Two Options for Proper Bulb Disposal by Residents:1) Local Government Drop Off Locations and Recycling Events for Fluorescent Lights
2) Mail Back Programs These privately-run companies will sell a container which can be filled with used fluorescent bulbs. When the container is full, it is sent back to the recycler via a prepaid ground mail shipment program. Labels and shipping papers are included in the recycling company's fee. Please note that inclusion on this list does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission of the companies or their technologies. Persons contacting the listed companies should make their own investigations and determinations about the costs and appropriateness of the activities of the listed companies. To view links, Go Here. Safety Tips if a Fluorescent or Other Mercury Containing Bulb BreaksIf a bulb breaks, close off the room to other parts of the building. Open a window to disperse any vapor that may escape, and leave the room for at least 15 minutes. Carefully scoop up the fragments with a stiff paper (do not use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to remove all glass fragments. Do not use a vacuum as this disperses the mercury over a wider area. All fragments should be placed in a sealed plastic bag, labeled and properly disposed of as household hazardous waste. No adverse effects are expected from occasional exposure to broken lamps. Batteries (Rechargeable, Button)Though safe when intact, used rechargeable and button batteries contain toxic metals and need to be handled as hazardous waste. You will find rechargeable batteries in cordless and cellular phones, laptops, cordless tools, PDAs, and some toys. You will find button batteries in watches, hearing aids, and some cameras. You can dispose of batteries at local government drop off centers or at selected retailers. Local Government Drop Off Locations and Recycling Events for Batteries The following Northern Virginia communities offer opportunities to recycle these items with the following drop off locations and recycling events:
Drop Off Used Batteries at Selected Retailers A number of retail outlets recycle batteries as well. To check for stores in an area, the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation has a map that identifies retailers who accept used batteries. Earth 911 also has a service to identify locations accepting used batteries. Electronic EquipmentElectronic waste includes items such as computers, stereos televisions, VCRs, cell phones, games and PDAs. These items contain a variety of hazardous materials that need to be handled properly. For example, computer monitors contain about six pounds of lead from its cathode ray tube (CRT). Local Government Drop Off Locations and Recycling Events for Electronics
Find Other Opportunities in Your AreaThe Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments’ GoRecycle website provides information on opportunities for donation and recycling options for discarded electronics. Earth 911 also has links to ewaste donation and recycling centers Other Hazardous MaterialsOther hazardous materials found in households...
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symbol cannot be disposed of in the trash. These include mercury vapor bulbs, sodium lights, UV lights and ballasts. One broken fluorescent bulb can contaminate 7,000 gallons of water with mercury.
Toxics 