Practice Responsible CFL Ownership

Since I started this blog I have had quite a few people call, write and walk up to me to inform me that CFL bulbs have mercury in them. And we all know that mercury is toxic to the environment and us.

For the record this is my position, CFL bulbs can and should always be taken to a hazardous waste center. In my view the benefits to the environment far outweigh the issue that comes attached to them.

Let's put it in perspective, we all know that batteries cannot be put in the trash and must be taken to a hazardous waste center. Should we not use batteries anymore? Of course we can't do that and I don't think we can afford to not use CFL bulbs either. Now if you flatly refuse to jump on the CFL bandwagon, you can choose door number two and put dimmers on all your lights to conserve energy. Now I don't know about you, but I would rather take a few trips to the collection center. Those CFL bulbs can last up to 10 years depending on the amount of use.

So now that we have that out of the way. Where can you take your HW? Los Angeles has many collection events; they go on practically every weekend. CLICK HERE for a list of upcoming events. And just for good measure HERE is a second list of places.

While we are on the subject there are a lot of things that cannot go into your regular trashcan.

• Electronic Waste such as computers, monitors, televisions, printers, network equipment, cables, telephones, microwaves, video games, cell phones, radios, stereos, VCRs, and electronic toys.
  
• Household cleaning products
  
• Paint and paint-related substances (solvents)
  
• Automotive products such as oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, oil filters
  
• Pool chemicals
  
• Garden chemicals including fertilizers, weed killers, pesticides
  
• Car Batteries and household batteries (A, AA, AAA, nickel cadmium, alkaline, lithium)
• Fluorescent light bulbs
  
• Aerosol cans
  
• Medicine

Find out which event is best for your disposal needs and take a ride.