Question: Do the new mercury light bulbs save energy and do they harm the environment when disposed of in the trash?

Answer: According to a May 15 article in the Herald-Leader: Fluorescent bulbs hold the promise of energy savings in homes. But they contain the element mercury, raising concerns about health and environmental safety when they are broken or thrown away. Compact fluorescent lights, which last up to 10 times longer and use only a third of the energy of an incandescent bulb.

There is no national or statewide collection program for recycling the bulbs, and in many Kentucky counties, including Fayette, there is no local collection center. Fayette County Solid Waste Coordinator Penny McFadden said that within six to eight months, the city plans to build a $500,000 facility to collect household hazardous waste, which would include the bulbs. In the meantime, McFadden said people should seal their broken and spent CFLs in plastic bags and hold onto them, rather than placing them in the garbage.

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