Comments on: EPA Cracks Down on Improper CFL Disposal

By: The Real Dirt on LED Lighting

The Real Dirt on LED Lighting — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:02:21 +0000

[...] sure you recycle them, or else you could get into some trouble: the EPA just cracked down on CBS broadcasting and Macy’s Inc. for their massive improper disposal of fluorescent bulbs. If you take a look around, there’s [...]

By: David Andrews

David Andrews — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 23:39:48 +0000

I use both LED and CFL lights in my home. The LED bulbs are not as bright as they could be. They have to get better. I was concerned about mercury in the CFL lights so looked up a number of things about them. What if you break a CFL bulb in your home? This is the worst case scenario assuming you do not cut yourself with the bulb. The room is small and there is no (zero) ventilation. You will be breathing vapors with mercury. How much will you get (worst case)? About the same amount as you would be getting if you eat one can of tuna. That is not too bad. You should note that it is now recommended that pregnant women do not eat any tuna while pregnant of if trying to get pregnant. Mercury is a real problem, but I do not know how much and it is hard to get through all the hype and fear to find the real truth(s).

By: Tyler

Tyler — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 22:16:33 +0000

CFL lighting and regular fluorescent lighting is more energy efficient when compared to its incandescent counterpart however it does contain a highly toxic chemical that affects the health and wellbeing of everyone. While some may take part and recycle the CFL lightbulbs they use, the majority of the population does not. This is either because they don’t want to take the time, they don’t know the severity of this issue, and/or they don’t know where to take them for recycling.

An alternative that I think should be used instead of CFL lighting is LED lighting. While this technology is relatively new it does not require the use of the toxic chemical mercury regular fluorescent and CFL lightsbulbs require. The LED technology is as efficient if not more than fluorescent lighting. The LED lighting is already being used in some flat-screen televisions and computer screens. Using this technology would greatly improve how we dispose of this kind of waste.

By: Margaret Campbell

Margaret Campbell — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:11:30 +0000

We’re encouraged to use only CFL lighting but they are considered hazardous waste and you must take them to a specific waste processor – which I’m sure very few folks do. So what is one to do???