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Fluorescent Lamp Disposal: Tips for CFL Recycling

Amanda asks: What is the best way to dispose of a dead CFL? 

Answer: Hi Amanda... the best way to dispose of CFLs is not to throw them in the trash but to simply to store them in a safe place in a doubled up plastic bag until you can take them (in bulk, hopefully) to a recycling center that processes spent CFLs. 

The Home Depot in your area most likely offers FREE CFL recycling, as do some "transfer stations" (aka dumps) that manage the municipal recycling process.  If you are not a fan of Home Depot, or simply want other options, check out RecycleaBulb.com where you can check your local area to find recycling alternatives. 

While CFLs do contain small amounts of mercury which should be managed properly, when handled properly (and even improperly) their impact on the environment is minimal and the benefits can outweigh any risks.

CFL Life: 7 Tips for Maximizing the Life of Your Compact Fluorescents

Chelsea asks: I have read that flipping light switches too much can damage CFLs or shorten their life... Is it true?    

Answer: Hi Chelsea, thanks for your question.  Basically, because CFLs have small electronic ballasts built inside the base, they are more complicated (read fragile) than traditional "dumb" incandescent bulbs.  So flipping the light switch on and off (like my kids like to do) is not a good idea for maximizing the life of your CFLs.  

Here are some tips for maximizing the life of your CFLs:

Free Light Bulbs: How Can I Get Free CFLs for my Home?

Ellen asks: How can I get some free CFLs?  My friend lives in Washington and her utility sends her free light bulbs but I live in Connecticut.  Can I get the same thing?  Thanks.

Answer: Hi Ellen, thanks for your question.  Utilities across the U.S. are trying to reduce their customers' electricity usage by encouraging them to swap out incandescent lamps with energy saving CFLs.  

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, if every American home replaced just one incandescent lamp with a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) the country would save enough energy to power more than 3 million homes per year, saving customers about $700 million dollars worth of annual energy.  This simple change would also prevent over 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year (the equivalent of about 800,000 cars).  

As far as the free light bulbs are concerned, the good news is that there's a strong chance that your utility offers free CFLs or something similar to your friend's program.  

Low Mercury CFLs: Did Fluorescent Recycling Just Get Easier?

Marion asks: I use compact fluorescents throughout my house and haven't ever had a problem with them.  I  recycle them a couple of times a year but are the new CFLs with reduced amounts of mercury disposable in the trash?  Or do I recycle them like the other CFLs?  Thanks!

Answer: Hi Marion, thanks for your question.  You definitely understand the benefits you receive by replacing old incandescent lights with new compact fluorescent bulbs (you save lots of money!), however, there are a lot of people out there who either don't think about using CFLs, and haven't made the switch, or they may be concerned about the fact that each CFL contains a small amount of mercury, potentially making CFLs a hazard.

For those people in the latter camp, low mercury CFLs, such as this bulb by GE, may reduce some of their concerns about accidents with a broken bulb.  The new low mercury CFLs typically have between 1-1.5 milligrams of mercury in them, as opposed to as much as 5 milligrams of mercury in a "conventional" CFL. 

While the amount of mercury is much lower, disposing of them still requires care and recycling as usual.  For more information on recycling of CFLs, see this post. 

Thanks!

CFL Light: Do Compact Fluorescent Lights Have to Look Terrible?

Liz asks: I recently read that there can be a significant difference in the quality of light that is produced by various compact fluorescent bulb types depending on the manufacturers... What is the best CFL brand available for light? Thanks!

Answer: Hi Liz, thanks for your question. Consumer Reports recently evaluated a range of CFLs and found some that were better than others in terms of lighting quality. According to CU, those with a 2,700 to 3,000 Kelvin (K) number have a warmer, yellower color; 3,500 K to 6,500 K bulbs emit a bluer or whiter light.

So, remember, the higher the Kelvin number, the less warm the light may be... so go for a relatively low number if you want warm (incandescent type) light. In the future it will be easier to spot this information and, for a CFL to qualify for the Energy Star label, the bulb must include the Kelvin number on the package as of December 2009.

Also, just like some conventional incandescent lights, CFLs may be labeled according to their light quality in terms such as "soft" or "warm" white for a CFL with light like an incandescent's. For a whiter light, choose "bright white," "natural," or "daylight". If you do end up with a bluer light than you want, consider changing the color of the shade you are using, if possible, to improve the color rendition in your rooms. 

Unbreakable CFLs: Are They Safer for My Children?

Mary asks: I am hesitant to install compact fluorescent lamps in my children's  rooms because I am  concerned about accidents and breakage.  Do CFLs with covers on them prevent any contamination with respect to mercury? 

Answer: Hi Mary, as you are well aware, a broken compact fluorescent lamp requires careful cleanup.  Each CFL contains a small amount of mercury, which can be toxic.  Luckily, ClearLite produces a compact fluorescent safety bulb with a special shell around it which prevents mercury from escaping if the lamp inside shatters. 

The ArmorLite compact fluorescent lamp resembles a conventional incandescent lamp with its special silicone shell which is designed around the lamp itself.  The shell is designed to stay intact in the event of an accident. 

While ArmorLite is a premium product (it retails for around $7.50 apiece) potentially limiting its appeal, it may be perfect for baby's room or a child's room or in a playroom where you want efficient light, but may be concerned about accidents.