Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs have overwhelming advantages compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs. Switching to compact fluorescent lights is an easy way to save money, reduce energy consumption and limit greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

There is, however, one tradeoff and that is that compact fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury, a highly toxic heavy metal, and have to be disposed of carefully, especially if they're broken. As of Jan. 1, 2008 New Hampshire banned the disposal of any “mercury-added” product, including spent compact fluorescent light bulbs and “button-cell” batteries, in landfills, transfer stations or incinerators. So now, instead of throwing those lightbulbs in your household trash, you'll have to recycle them, either through your municipality or a participating retailer.

The City of Keene accepts compact fluorescent light bulbs for recycling from Keene residents free of charge during operating hours- Monday through Friday 7am-3pm and Saturday 8am-1pm.

Please note that if a compact fluorescent light bulb breaks it needs to be handled carefully. Don't vacuum a broken bulb- that will spread it through the house, mercury could become airborne, and then the vacuum cleaner will be contaminated. Instead, ventilate the room and leave it for 15 minutes. Then, put on some disposable gloves and use cardboard and duct tape to pick up small pieces and powder, seal everything in a screw-top jar, and store the jar in a safe place until you can dispose of it at a household hazardous waste collection. The City of Keene offers 24 household hazardous waste collections per year. Visit our website www.ci.keene.nh.us/publicworks/recycle for the upcoming collections.

See this page for facts on why CFL's are still a better option even with the mercury:
FAQs on CFLs and Mercury