garbage P/U and fluorescent tubes

[goodoleboy]

Put them in the trash can with a liner and throw a brick or rock in the can from a safe distance. Make sure you wear safety glasses,respirator, and space suit.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[CTyler]

And don't buy one of those flimsy space suits either!

 

[hobbyfarm]

Fred,
I can't believe that garbage men are "picky" about what they pick up. (who said they could think on their own?) If it's in the trash, make it fit in the truck. Isn't that simple?

 

[Jagmandave]

It has to do with the mercury in flourescent light bulbs. It's an environmetal hazard.

 

[Freds]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I can't believe that garbage men are "picky" about what they pick up )</font>

Yeah, they had no problem taking my old weed whacker that was setting out there with the tubes.....

I have an idea that doesn't involve encapsulating them in plastic sheeting and smashing them, setting them in a garbage can and lobbing bricks at them or space suits /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif. I'll let you know if it works when I get the stuff this afternoon. I'll even let you know if it didn't work. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

 

[pennwalk]

We have a county facility that disposes of hazardous household waste. Florescent bulbs are on the list. I took a run over there with a bunch of tubes and some computer monitors. The load shifted and broke the tubes. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Kind of a waste of time with the tubes but I was glad to get rid of the monitors. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Chris

 

[Freds]

My idea worked. Sometimes I surprise myself.
I picked up a length of 1-1/2" PVC and two caps. I cut it to length and put one cap on tight. I slid the fluorescent tube in leaving the single prong exposed and tapped it on a cement block to break the seal, but this was unnecessary and I did a couple without breaking the seal, too. I put the other cap on and flexed the PVC to break the tube inside. I took the loose cap off, held it over a garbage can and tapped the pipe with a hammer to let all the pieces fall into the can.
No fuss, no muss and everything in the can where it belongs.

...and yes, I took a picture of the four shattered tubes in a 5 gal pail /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[hazmat]

Patten it quick! great idea /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[escavader]

I put them in a trash barrel,reach down in with gloved hand and hammer ,turn my head,and wack em... as soon as the gas is released i just break em up with the hammer.
ALAN

 

[To20Chris]

Fluorescent tubes contain mercury vapor, which is the most dangerous form. Breathing it is the "best" way to get it into your system. Mercury is one of the most toxic substances to your body. DO NOT mess around with it.

I've switched all of the bulbs in my house to either fluorescent tubes or compact fluorescents (at least for those that will fit), but only where they can be covered or protected.