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CFL’S: A Bright Idea for the Environment Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) have recently received a lot of press because of the cities, states and countries contemplating their mandatory use. Recently, the Canadian federal government moved to ban the sale of inefficient light bulbs, such as incandescents, by 2012. California and several other states are following suite. Environmentalists have been quick to embrace CFLs because of the energy savings, and environmental benefits They produce about 70% less heat and replacing a 60-watt incandescent with a 13-watt CFL will realize a savings of $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. CFLs also have a longer lifespan than regular light bulbs. CFLs do contain a very small amount of mercury and, like fluorescent tube bulbs, must be recycled properly, but they are still recommended over incandescents by the EPA. (Cole Hardware stores have a wide variety of CFLs.) CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed in the glass tubing - approximately 5 milligrams; about the equivalent of the tip of a ball-point pen. Mercury is an essential element in CFLs; it’s what allows for the bulb’s efficiency. At this time, there is no substitute for the mercury component, although the amount necessary in fluorescent lighting has significantly decreased over the past ten years. The EPA and other environmental agencies recommend the use of CFLs, no mercury is released when using them properly. Never forcefully twist a CFL into a light socket by its tubes. You may recycle spent CFLs at any Cole Hardware location (up to 10 bulbs) or authorized recycling center. If a CFL breaks, sweep up - do not vacuum - the glass fragments and fine particles. Place broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to gather any stray fragments. Put the paper towel in the plastic bag also. Since the amount of mercury in a CFL is so small, you have a greater risk of a cut from glass shards. However, once a CFL breaks, we are not allowed to accept it through our recycling program. Broken CFLs (and the materials used to clean them up) should be taken to the San Francisco Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility. For more information call the facility at 415/355-3777. - Hardware Hotline May, 2008
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