Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use significantly less energy than traditional light bulbs.  If every home in America replaced one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified CFL, we would save enough energy every year to light 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from about 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.

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.

Recycling and Disposal of CFLs:

• It is illegal to place CFLs in the garbage because they may contain a small amount of mercury.
• Bring CFLs to the Dakota County Recycling Zone, the Burnsville Maintenance Facility, the Apple Valley Maintenance Facility, the Eagan Community Center, Menards, Home Depot, IKEA, and some Ace and True Value stores, for free.
• 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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.