Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury vapor, require proper disposal Published April 21, 2010 VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- When you change out a fluorescent bulb in the office, don't throw it into a dumpster. They contain mercury vapor and must be disposed of properly, said Shannon Elledge, the hazardous waste manager with PRI/DJI at Vance. "Don't put them in a custodial closet for storage or leave in a trash bag for pickup," Mr. Elledge said. He recommends putting them into a properly labeled box that can be closed and then deliver the bulbs to the self-help store in Bldg. 288. The bulbs are stored in large cardboard barrels that can hold more than 150 bulbs. According to Mr. Elledge, Vance will fill four or five barrels a year. The barrels are shipped to a recycler in Tennessee. Properly disposing of fluorescent bulbs helps prevent injuries and violation of hazardous waste laws, said Mr. Elledge. In addition to the typical long bulbs in overhead light fixtures, compact fluorescent lamps -- those curly ones that screw into a fixture -- must be properly disposed of as well, said Mr. Elledge. "Bring them to the self-help store." For more information on pick up, storage or disposal of fluorescent bulbs, call Mr. Elledge at 213-6226.