The Free-Lance Star: One Caveat About CFLs
Filed under: Earth 911 - April 24, 2008
By Bill Freehling
Tuesday was Earth Day. One way that many people are taking care of the environment while saving money is by using compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of regular incandescent bulbs.
The fluorescent bulbs, often referred to as CFLs, last longer, use less energy and reduce electric bills.
Yet some people have expressed concern that CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, although far less than the amount in older, nondigital thermometers.
CFLs each contain about four milligrams of mercury, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Manufacturers are taking steps to reduce the amount.
By contrast, a mercury thermometer has about 500 milligrams. Older thermostats have about 3,000 milligrams of mercury, a toxic metal that can affect the brain, spinal cord, kidneys and liver.
Some localities have started recycling programs for CFLs. Locally, the Belman Road Recycling Center in Fredericksburg and Stafford County’s regional landfill on Eskimo Hill Road have them, according to Earth911.org. That site allows you to enter your ZIP code and find the closest recycling center for various household products.
Spotsylvania County residents can turn in their CFLs at the county’s twice-yearly Hazardous Waste Collection Day. The next one is May 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chancellor Public Use Area.
According to the Web site of General Electric, which produces CFLs, some retailers are exploring take-back programs. IKEA stores already take back used CFLs.
For people without access to a recycling facility, or for those who prefer not to recycle, the EPA has the following tips on disposing of CFLs (which are not legally considered hazardous waste according to federal solid waste rules):
If a CFL breaks in your home, open nearby windows, sweep up the fragments (don’t use your hands) and wipe the area with a disposable paper towel to remove all glass. Don’t use a vacuum. Place all fragments in a sealed plastic bag.
Intact CFLs should also be sealed in a plastic bag before disposal, as you would with batteries, oil-based paint and motor oil. Place the sealed bag with your regular trash.