| I just noticed the CFL bulb on our front porch has | | | | site where you can enter what you want to recycle |
| burned out. Not only is it time to replace it, it's also | | | | (CFL bulbs, batteries, paint, etc.) and your location. |
| time for me to finally figure out what the heck to do | | | | They will give you a list of options in your area. |
| with the expired bulbs that I've been collecting over | | | | 3. Check with the bulb's manufacturer. Many |
| the past year. | | | | companies now offer a free mail-back program. Just |
| I'm sure you are well versed in why CFL bulbs are a | | | | call the phone number listed on your bulb to see |
| better choice for our environment and energy | | | | what kind of recycling programs they offer. |
| conservation but not many people know that they | | | | 4. Contact your local waste management company |
| need to be disposed of properly. Each bulb contains a | | | | to see if they accept hazardous waste materials. |
| trace amount of mercury, which has been proven to | | | | When you are ready to recycle your used CFL bulbs, |
| cause kidney and brain damage. So it's critical that we | | | | take the following steps to ensure your safety and a |
| dispose of these bulbs properly and keep that | | | | cleaner environment: |
| mercury out of our landfills. | | | | 1. Place the old bulbs in the packaging from your new |
| It's not only a healthy decision; it's a lawful decision in | | | | bulbs to prevent breakage. If these aren't available, |
| some states. Did you know that it's illegal to throw | | | | wrap your bulbs in newspaper or plastic shopping |
| away CFL bulbs in California, Minnesota, Ohio, Illinois, | | | | bags to cushion them and prevent them from |
| and Indiana? | | | | breaking. |
| There are several options for disposing of your CFL | | | | 2. Store your old bulbs together in a box until you |
| bulbs properly: | | | | have time to take them to the recycling center. |
| 1. Stores like IKEA and Home Depot are now | | | | 3. Mark your calendar for hazardous waste recycling. |
| accepting expired and unbroken CFL bulbs. Simply | | | | Some areas only accept hazardous waste once or |
| take your bulbs into the store and give them to the | | | | twice a year. Don't miss out! Check now and save |
| person at the returns desk. | | | | the date so you aren't stuck with a box of |
| 2. Visit Earth911.org to find a recycling center near | | | | hazardous waste for another year. |
| you. They have a cool search box at the top of their | | | | |