Re: Disposal of old-fluorescent topic

In article <Pine.NEB.4.64.0802031801330.6040@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>, Lee Ayrton
<layrton@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:


>>>>>> Jeff Lanam <jeff-dot-lanam@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>>>
>>>>>>> Not in California. Try earth911.org.
>>>>>>> http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/wpie/fluoreslamps/
>>>>>>> All fluorescent lamps and tubes are considered hazardous waste in
>>>>>>> California when they are discarded because they contain mercury.

[snip]

>Some of what you seek is in the first URL at the top of this page.
>
>[quote] Approximately 370 pounds of mercury were released in California
in 
>the year 2000 due to the breakage of electric lamps and tubes during 
>storage and trans****tation1. It is estimated that nearly 75 million waste

>fluorescent lamps and tubes are generated annually in California. These 
>lamps and tubes contain more than a half a ton of mercury. [unquote]
>
>The claimed benefit to fluorescents is that the largest single source of 
>environmental mercury, coal-fired electrical generation, is offset by 
>the reduced system load.

Waste tubes:  half a ton of Hg               =        1000 lbs

Pounds of mercury released from broken tubes =        370 pounds

This makes it sound as if 1/3 of the tubes were broken and released their
mercury. Does this sound right?

-- 
charles