We are slowly replacing all our of regular light bulbs with compact florescent bulbs or CFLs. The first CFL bulbs we bought about 4 years ago. Two of the three recently burned out. I replaced them but knew that CFL bulbs contained mercury and had to be properly disposed of. So I turned to the Internet to find out how to properly dispose of CFL bulbs.
The best option would be to take it to a recycling center that handles CFL bulbs. Apparently IKEA and Home Depot take CFL bulbs. Home Depot has orange containers set up in their stores so that patrons can dispose of CFL bulbs. Simply wrap your unbroken bulb into a plastic bag and drop it off.
Several states do not require recycling CFL bulbs. If you are going to throw your bulbs away, then wrap them in two plastic bags. But before tossing them in the trash, check with your local waste management agency to make sure it is allowed.
So far we’ve been pleased with CFL bulbs although my husband was disappointed two had already burned out. But it has been close to four years and those bulbs were on a ceiling fan, which can shorten the life expectancy of a CFL bulb. Anyway, I say four years is impressive especially considering I’m not sure I’ve ever had a regular light bulb last that long.
October 17th, 2009 at 5:55 am
My first set lasted 10-15 years! Life time depends a lot on quality of the lamp. A-brands last a lot longer than cheaper ones. Four years ago I bought a set from a shop’s brand that said +/- 6 years, but the two most used already gave up after 3. But then they were very afffordable indeed.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:10 am
That is nice florescent bulb. I have similar in my room, dozen or so… doing great effect.
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Интересная лампа, мне бы хотелось поделиться это ссылкой, где описано лечение наркомании
October 24th, 2009 at 4:50 am
This is the future and the technology that we have to standardize not only because it last longer but also it’s mother earth friendly type of bulbs. Great article, thanks a lot for sharing!
November 4th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
CFL bulbs are around four times as efficent as incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Therefore a 22 Watt CFL will offer the same amount of light as a 100 Watt incandescent bulb and will last for around five years. Using an 18 Watt CFL in place of a 75 Watt standard light bulb will save over 500 kWh over its lifetime offering savings of around £25 - far in excess of the initial cost of the CFL - and will prevent half a ton of CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere by power stations.