Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs):

The City of Fort Wayne recommends purchasing Energy Star qualified CFLs, which are guaranteed to use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. These CFLs s ave about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb's lifetime and produce about 75 percent less heat, so they're safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.

Residents can recycle CFLs at no charge in Fort Wayne at Home Depot and any of the three Connolly's Do It Best Hardware Stores. You can also seal the CFLs in two plastic bags and put them into your outside trash. CFLs should not be disposed of in an incinerator.

Energy Star qualified CFLs have a two-year warranty. If the bulb has failed within the warranty period, return it to your retailer.

Many people have been concerned lately about CFLs containing mercury. CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – an average of 5 milligrams, which is roughly equivalent to an amount that would cover the tip of a ball-point pen. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury. It would take 100 CFLs to equal that amount.

Mercury currently is an essential component of CFLs and is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. Many manufacturers have taken significant steps to reduce mercury used in their fluorescent lighting products. In fact, the average amount of mercury in a CFL is anticipated to drop by the end of 2007, thanks to technology advances and a commitment from the members of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

If you break a CFL, the EPA recommends taking the following precautions:

· Open a window and leave the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes

· Remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner

· Use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up the small pieces and powder

· Place all cleanup materials in a plastic bag and seal it

· Wash your hands after disposing of the bag

It is important to realize that more mercury is put into the air (from coal-fired electricity plants) from continuing to use incandescent light bulbs, than is released from using a CFL and breaking it.