New CFL Packaging Features Recycling Kit
Earthmate and Waste Management have partnered together in the launch of a new compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) product in which the packaging doubles as a recycling kit for consumers to mail-in spent bulbs.
While CFLs are up to 75 percent more energy-efficient and last longer than incandescent bulbs, they contain trace amounts of mercury that can be toxic if the bulbs are landfilled. Earthmate was the first company to reduce CFL mercury content, as its bulbs have only 1 milligram compared to up to 5 milligrams for other bulbs.
The new Earthmate packing will double as a CFL recycling kit. Photo: Gadgets.boingboing.net
Waste Management started its CFL mail-in program last year in which consumers could request a recycling kit by mail. This same kit will now be used to package Earthmate bulbs, which will excuse consumers from recycling fees. The packaging is also resealable and has a liner that prevents mercury contamination in the case that a bulb breaks during shipping.
“We are offering consumers the first ‘cradle-to-cradle’ solution for CFL usage,” says Jim Ouellette, vice president of Earthmate. “Now consumers can purchase and recycle their CFLs in one package and from the convenience of their home. The kit is the simplest and most convenient solution for the disposal of CFLs.”
The Earthmate site sells the bulbs as well as lists retailers. For those who already have spent CFLs, recycling is available through retailers such as Home Depot and IKEA.
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Lori Brown
posted on May 15th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I think this is a great idea as one of the barriers to recycling is often accessibility and convenience. Using the packaging for both retail display and mail-back recycling is an innovative idea. It will especially be helpful to those who lack CFL recycling locations in their areas.
General Jon » Blog Archive » Kudos to Waste Management
posted on May 15th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
[...] You can read the earth911.com article here. [...]
Harry
posted on May 19th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Terry, as always, great information on helping keep mercury out of our water streams. CFLs are great tools in many ways but need to be respected and disposed of properly.
Tooth Farey
posted on May 20th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Home Depot will take expired CFL’s at their customer service/return counter to recycle at no charge.