You may not know that compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain small amounts of mercury — about 4mg per bulb. This means they need to be disposed of differently than traditional incandescent light bulbs. Here’s what to do if a CFL breaks, cracks or burns out:

• Open all windows to get rid of any vapours.
• Carefully clean broken pieces by wiping the entire area with a paper towel.
• Put the broken pieces and paper towel into a sealed plastic bag.
• Do NOT use a vacuum to pick up the pieces.

For proper disposal, take broken or burned out bulbs to the Battleford Community Recycling Center in the City of Mississauga.