CFL's - Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs - Disposal
The Home Depot at 3200 NE Capital Circle is now taking used CFL 's for proper recycling and disposal. This free program is part of their national CFL recycling program.
You can also take CFL's to the Leon County Landfill, Leon County Hazardous Waste collection event. The Green Living Center at 1020 N. Monroe St. (222-4521), also accepts used CFL's for proper disposal. For more information on CFL's including disposal and cleanup, visit the Energy Star CFL web page or the Sierra Club CFL web page.
CFL's contain a very small 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 milligrams of mercury. It would take 100 CFL's to equal that amount.
Mercury currently is an essential component of CFL's and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use. Many manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products. In fact, the average amount of mercury in a CFL is anticipated to drop by the end of 2007 thanks to technology advances and a commitment from members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.