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Mercury and Recycling
Mercury and CFLs
All CFLs contain small amounts of Mercury. According to the EPA, the average CFL contains 5mg (Energy Star). This is a cause for concern when CFLs are thrown in landfills and wast incinerators where the bulbs can be broken and cause air and water pollution. Therefore, proper CFL disposal is a must.
Mercury and Incandescent Light Bulbs
As it turns out, incandescent light bulbs are responsible for a much greater amount of mercury pollution than CFLs (even if CFLs are thrown away). Coal burning electric power plants are responsible for 40% of the mercury emissions in the US (Energy Star). Since CFLs use less electricity than incandescent light bulbs, using them actually reduces mercury pollution, especially if CFLs are recycled.
Here is what Energy Star has to say on the subject as well as tips on recycling:
Frequently Asked Questions Information on Proper Disposal of Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)
Here is a great article from the department of Housing/Energy and Sustainable Development in Berkeley, CA that goes into greater detail on the subject:
Mercury, Compact Fluorescent Lights and the Environment
Mercury Content of The Bulb
Our CFLs contain up to 50% less Mercury than the average CFL. Here is a summary of the amounts of mercury contained in each of our light bulbs:
Recycling
Just because CFLs only contain a tiny amount of Mercury, it doesn't mean that they shouldn't be disposed of properly. If thrown away, the bulbs will most likely become broken, and the Mercury will escape and contribute to water and air pollution. Recycling is the best option, and is what ECOfuture strongly recommends.
For more information on recycling CFLs, please go to www.earth911.org or www.lamprecycle.org. Each of these sites contain resources for finding recycling facilities in each state. If a recycler is not available in your area, the spent CFLs can be sent to ECOfuture, and we will be happy to recycle them for you. Our corporate policy is to properly recycle ALL spent and non-functioning CFLs returned to us. Please contact us for more information.
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