Why should people use CFLs?

Switching from traditional light bulbs to CFLs is an effective, accessible change every American can make right now to reduce energy use at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change. 

Lighting accounts for close to 20% of the average home’s electric bill. ENERGY STAR^TM -qualified CFLs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little upfront, and provide a quick return on investment. 

If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an ENERGY STAR^TM-qualified CFL, in one year it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars.

Do CFLs contain mercury?

CFLs contain a tiny amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing -- an average of 5 milligrams -- about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 mg of mercury. It would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount. 

Mercury is an essential component of CFLs, allowing the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when bulbs are intact or in use. Manufacturers continue to reduce the amount of mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products. In fact, the average amount of mercury in a CFL is dropping steadily, thanks to technology advances.

Coal-fired power plants are the largest
man-made source because mercury that naturally exists in coal is released into the air when coal is burned to make electricity. Coal-fired power generation accounts for roughly 40 percent of the mercury emissions in the U.S. 

The use of CFLs reduces power demand, which helps reduce mercury emissions from power plants. For more information on all sources of mercury, visit http://www.epa.gov/mercury. 

Should I take precautions when using CFLs?

CFLs are made of glass and can break if dropped or roughly handled. Be careful when removing the bulb from its package, installing it, or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the lamp by its base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a socket. If a CFL breaks in your home, follow the clean-up suggestions here. Used CFLs should be disposed of per the directions below.

We are hoping you will reflect upon "the big picture."  When one is left to weigh whether it's safer to break a CFL bulb than it is to go outside and inhale, we believe it's high time for all of us to get busy installing those CFLs!

What should I do with a CFL when it burns out?

CSWD (Chittenden Solid Waste District) recommends that residents wrap the bulb carefully -- in its original box, if available -- and bring it to The Environmental Depot or any one of their Full Service Drop-Off Centers for recycling.

ENERGY STAR^TM-qualified CFLs are guaranteed. If the bulb fails within its warranty period, return it to your retailer.

Contact the Essex Energy Task Force today for pick-up or drop-off options.