Fluorescent bulbs
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use significantly less energy than traditional (incandescent) light bulbs. If every America home replaced one bulb with a CFL, we'd save enough energy to light 3 million homes, and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to ~800,000 cars. Even though CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, that amount is significantly less than the amount of mercury avoided as a result of the energy savings.
Recycling and Disposal of CFLs:
It is illegal to place CFLs in the garbage, because they contain a small amount of mercury. Bring CFLs to the following locations to recycle them for free:
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The Recycling Zone |
Eagan Community Center |
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Eagan City Hall |
City of Burnsville Maint. Center |
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City of Apple Valley Maint. Facility |
IKEA |
| Home Depot Multiple locations Home Depot store locator |
Menards Multiple locations Menards store locator |
| Ace Hardware Multiple locations Ace store locator |
True Value Multiple locations True Value store locator |
- Have fluorescent tubes? They also cannot be thrown in the trash. Take them to The Recycling Zone [free from a residental source, for a fee from businesses], Batteries Plus, or Certified Recycling for a fee, so they may be disposed of properly and safely.
Learn more about recycling CFLs:
Why use a CFL?
- A CFL can save more than $40 in electricity costs over its lifetime if used instead of an incandescent bulb.
- It uses 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and lasts 10 times longer.
- Produces about 75% less heat, so it's safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.
Preventing CFLs from Breaking:
- Always switch off and allow the bulb to cool before handling. If possible, screw/unscrew the CFL by holding the plastic or ceramic base, not the glass tubing.
- Do not overtighten.
- Keep out of lamps that could easily tip, especially in rooms often used by children or pregnant women.
Cleaning Up a Broken CFL:
- Exposure to broken CFLs can pose a health risk, especially to a fetus or young child.
- Open a window, shut off central air conditioning or forced-air heating, and clear the room for at least 15 minutes, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends.
- Follow the detailed cleanup steps for either hard surfaces or carpeting/rugs posted on the EPA web site.
Check out these other helpful links:
- For purchasing tips visit the Energy Star web site.
- Find more information on facts and myths about CFLs.
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