So we just had 2 CFLs burn out (grr...they didn't last logn at all). Anyway, how do I get rid of it? According to my state's environmental dept, I'm supposed to treat them as hazardous waste. The only way I can figure out of disposing of hazardous waste though is to save it until a "hazardous waste day", register, and bring it to a dropoff site. That seems a bit rediculous for 2 lightbulbs... Am I missing something?
Call before you go, but you may be able to dispose of them at Home Depot or Lowe's. I know a lot of their locations are doing that now.
For what it's worth, we've had to replace almost all of our CFLs at least once and they haven't lasted at all near the 5+ years that the manufacturers say they will. Grrr.
ooh, good call! I think I do remember seeing something for them at HD. Ours lasted somewhere around 6 months... funny though- the 2 that burnt out were both in the kitchen. All of the others around the house seem to be fine.
This reply is going to make me sound all kinds of stupid but 1) are CFLs the energy efficient light bulbs and 2) you can't throw those things away in the trash? wtf? I haven't had any burn out yet but if I did I would have easily tossed them in the garbage.
Forgive me if I'm so dumb that the questions I asked are way off base. It's been known to happen before.
Yeah, CFLs are the energy efficient bulbs. The reason you can't just through them in the trash is because they have some mercury in them, which also makes it an issue if they break.
Yeah, CFLs are the energy efficient bulbs. The reason you can't just through them in the trash is because they have some mercury in them, which also makes it an issue if they break.
yup. and don't worry about sounding stupid- you don't at all! I only randomly found out that you can't just toss them like a week ago (good timing!)
I actually just had a conversation with an Electrician buddy of mine abut this. He said that the main reason that certain bulbs burn out faster (if it doesn't have to do with usage) is that the electrical wiring in that area of the house was installed improperly. Nice, huh?
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