Fluorescent bulbs may contain toxic metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead. Unbroken lamps pose a minimal threat to human health and the environment. (Disposal of unbroken or spent lamps is covered under Universal Waste). However, fluorescent lamps contain mercury vapor under pressure and when broken, people may be exposed to toxic levels of mercury vapor and other metals which can be easily inhaled.
Not all of the mercury escapes as a gas, however. Some mercury may remain in the powder on the glass causing the broken glass to potentially be a hazardous waste.
Because of this potential, and as directed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, all broken fluorescent bulbs in the University system will be handled as a hazardous waste. Care must be taken when handling the glass to prevent being cut or punctured. The broken bulb should be placed into a cardboard box then inside a plastic bag and sealed to control the release of the potentially harmful powder and minimize the danger of puncture wounds to those handling the waste. The container should then be placed in the hazardous waste storage area or delivered to Environmental Management. The Director of Environmental Management must be notified so that the waste can be properly labeled and stored awaiting disposal.