Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Q&A ON THE NEWS
Filed under: Earth 911 - June 14, 2007
June 14, 2007
Q: What happened to the Georgia NASCAR-themed license plates announced with much fanfare several years ago? I have yet to see one on a car.
— SCOTT KOROWOTNY, Jasper
A: Charles Willey, spokesman for the Georgia Department of Revenue, said the special NASCAR tags are available through your local tag office. There are more than 20 designs, some featuring drivers who have entered into a licensing agreement with the department.
For more information and to view samples, visit
Q: Where in DeKalb County can I dispose of compact fluorescent lights? I’d like to start using them for economic and environmental purposes, but I understand that CFLs shouldn’t simply be thrown in the trash because they contain mercury.
— DAVID OWENS, Decatur
A: County spokeswoman Kristie Swink said one can legally dispose of CFLs in their garbage. However, DeKalb encourages Georgians to go to earth911.org, enter their ZIP code and find a recycling center.
CFLs contain about 5 milligrams of mercury, which is roughly enough to cover the tip of a ball-point pen. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use.
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends CFLs be used to save energy and money. Replacing a 60-watt incandescent with a 13-watt CFL can save you at least $30 in energy costs over the bulb’s life.
Staff researchers Sharon Gaus and Joni Zeccola contributed to this column.
Do you have a question about the news? Our news researchers will try to get an answer. Call 404-222-2002 or e-mail q&a@ajc.com (include your name and city). Sorry, individual responses are not possible.