light recycling.

In the past few years, the compact fluorescent bulb has become a hot commodity and an amazingly efficient alternative to out of date incandescents.  The CFL consumes 75% less energy and lasts 10-15 times longer than a regular bulb.  Unfortunately, the CFL has found itself in the hot seat for containing trace amounts of mercury.  While that sounds kind of scary, they actually have a teensy tiny amount compared to the amount of mercury spewed out by coal fueled electricity required to keep our bulbs burning bright.  So when all is said and done, the CFL is still more efficient but proper disposal becomes crucial.  Here’s where they belong:

your nearest Hazardous Waste Depot – stockpile worn out bulbs along with other things meant for the depot like batteries, old paint, motor oil and other yucky stuff

Home Depot (will recycle all CFL’s even if you bought them somewhere else)

Ace Hardware

Ikea (if you purchased Ikea bulbs)

Earth 911 – a fantastic site for all things in need of recycling

or check out lightbulbrecycling.com for other options across North America

And it never hurts to ask your local lightbulb retailer if they plan to implement a recycling/collection program.  If you do happen to break a CFL, clean it up immediately, store in a sealed plastic bag and take it to one of the above spots.  Please light responsibly.