Let There Be Light

Last week, in my blog, “Energy Saving Tips for Spring and Summer”, I encouraged the use of CFL (compact fluorescent lights) as a way to conserve energy. The benefits using CFL’s are obvious both economically and ecologically. A single Compact fluorescent bulb, which sales for about $2 dollars at stores like Ikea and Wal-Mart can burn for up to three years, or about 13 times longer then an incandescent light bulb. CFL’s also use 80% less energy then traditional light bulbs. The problem with this seemingly perfect product is that CFL’s contain a very small amount of mercury, which can cause a slew of environmental and problems if not disposed of properly. By 2010 America could be looking at 100 million improperly disposed of CFL’s, which would pose a toxic burden on landfills.

So how do you balance the benefits of CFL’s with the potential consequences? Recycle. Recycle. Recycle.

With that said the task, of properly disposing of CFL’s is easier said then done.

Right now Ikea is the only major retailer that offers a free CFL take back program. Wal-Mart, another major CFL distributor does not.

Recycling Options for CFLs

• The best place to start is probably the company that picks up your trash and recycling. Ask them if they have any options for recycling CFL’s. If they don’t, request that they start. You can also call your city or county sanitation department and ask them about disposal options for mercury or fluorescent tubes.
  


• If your local waste management offers no options, check out Earth 911(www.earth911.org), North America’s largest clearinghouse of recycling information. The site is super user-friendly, and has up-to-date information.
  


• If you’ve explored the first two options, and you still can’t find a means to recycle your CFL’s, there are some commercial services that will dispose of your bulbs for a fee. Lightbulbrecycling.com will dispose of 30 bulbs for $120 dollars. While the service isn’t cheap, you’ll still end up ahead, due to the fact that CFL’s burn for years longer then incandescent bulbs.
  

The Future of CFLs

Only about six percent of Americans are using CFL’s right now, but that number is expected to grow over time. As CFL use continues to grow it is imperative that consumers are aware of recycling options.

For detailed info on CFL’s and recycling check out Chris Baskind’s blog at
http://lighterfootstep.com/5-ways-to-recycle-a-cfl.html

For CFL recycling info in your area check out
www.earth911.org

For more information on CFL’s and CFL products check out
http://www.nvisioncfl.com/life.aspx