In an effort to promote energy efficiency and conservation, many local electric cooperatives have begun promoting the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

As more and more consumers catch on, questions may arise about the proper disposal, recycling and safety of CFLs. 

CFLs offer essential benefits, while requiring a small amount of additional care at disposal time.

Because lighting accounts for approximately 7 percent of a home’s electric usage, it is one of the easiest places to save on energy. The innovative CFLs use two-thirds less energy than typical incandescent light bulbs by using less wattage while still providing the same quantity of lighting.

CFLs can last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Because of their unique design, CFLs are typically guaranteed for 10,000 hours, compared with 500 to 2,000 hours for incandescent bulbs. Replacing old incandescent bulbs with CFLs can save, on average, $30 throughout the life of the CFL. The average home has about 30 light fixtures, so replacing all of a home’s light bulbs with CFLs could save almost $900 over the lifetime of the replaced bulbs. 

CFLs produce approximately 70 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs, making them safer to operate and can also help cut down on the home’s cooling costs. 

CFLs have a small quantity of mercury that is sealed within glass tubing. Mercury is a crucial, irreplaceable element in CFLs, which makes it an efficient light source. The typical amount of mercury in CFLs is about five milligrams, compared to 500 milligrams of mercury in an older home thermometer and 3,000 milligrams in manual thermostats.

As of now, there are no substitutes for mercury in CFLs, but manufacturers have taken substantial steps to decrease the amount of mercury used in fluorescent lighting products throughout the last decade.

CFLs are safe for home usage. Mercury is not released when the bulbs are in use, and they do not produce a danger or threat to families if they are used and disposed of appropriately. 

Still, CFLs are made of glass tubing and should not be dropped or handled roughly, as they may break. It is important to be careful when removing the lamp from its packaging, installing it or replacing it. Never powerfully twist the CFL into a light socket by its tubes, but always handle the base when screwing or unscrewing the lamp. Always make sure the fixture is unplugged before replacing a lamp.

When disposing of a CFL, it is important to adhere to the following guidelines.

 • For information regarding CFL recycling options, call 1-877-EARTH911 or visit www.earth911.org. Another option is to check with a local waste management agency.

 • South Alabama Electric Cooperative is proud to announce that we are an official CFL recycling location. You can bring CFLs designed for home use to our office in a sealed plastic bag and we will dispose of them properly for you. If you have any questions, please call our office at 1-800-556-2060.

• If you have no other option but to place the old CFL in your household garbage, seal the CFL in a plastic bag before putting it in the trash. However, if your waste agency incinerates the garbage it collects, you should search in a region that is farther from your home. CFLs or any other mercury-containing products should never be sent to an incinerator.

What happens if you break a CFL?

Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, a consumer’s greatest risk of using the mercury-containing bulb is when picking up glass shards. According to research, your family is under no immediate health risks if you break a bulb, as long as it is properly cleaned up.

Here are a few ways to properly clean up a broken CFL.

• Sweep up all the fragments and fine particles. Do not vacuum.

• When finished, place the broken pieces in a sealed plastic bag and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to make sure any stray shards are picked up. Dispose of the used towel in the same bag.

• Open windows to ventilate the room, if weather permits.

Using energy-efficient, long-lasting CFLs can save you time and money in the long run. Switching to CFLs helps conserve energy and is a positive, proactive way to preserve our environment – as well as your pocketbook.