How to Recycle Energy Saving Light Bulbs
Energy-saving light bulbs, or compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), use approximately 75 percent less energy than traditional light bulbs and last around 10 times longer. According to EnergyStar.gov, if every household in the United States replaced one traditional incandescent bulb with a CFL, the energy saved could power more than 3 million homes. However, CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, which makes recycling them more difficult. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Unplug the lamp or turn off the switch for the light. Unscrew the used CFL carefully, once it has cooled, and hold it by the base. Place the bulb where it will not be broken.
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Contact your local recycling company to see if they recycle CFLs. Many recycling companies offer lists of accepted recycled materials on their websites, as do some cities and other municipalities.
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Request a fluorescent bulb recycling kit from your local recycling agency. You will receive packages designed for safely sending used CFLs to recycling facilities, which remove the mercury from the bulb prior to recycling.
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Visit the nonprofit website Earth911.org to view local hardware stores that will accept used CFLs for recycling.
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You can also look at the map on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website, EPA.org, to view approved recycling centers for CFLs in your area.
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- Photo Credit cfl lightbulb from above on black image by Silverpics from Fotolia.com
