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New EU regulations are set to see traditional incandescent light bulbs progressively phased out by 2012 and replaced by low energy alternatives known in the industry as Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). CFLs are gaining popularity due to the many benefits that they bring to the environment and economy. More than 120 million CFLs are being used in the UK today but that figure only represents one out of every five bulbs They are up to four times more efficient than incandescent bulbs. You can replace a 100 watt incandescent bulb with a 22 watt CFL for the same amount of light as CFLs use 50 - 80% less energy than incandescent lights. While initially they may cost more, CFLs are less expensive in the long run as they last much longer than incandescent bulbs. And since CFLs use 1/3 the electricity and last up to 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs, they are much less expensive to operate. You will see a noticeable change in your electricity bills once you change over to CFLs. Switching to Compact Fluorescent Lamps – which only use 20% of the energy of a traditional bulb and have a lifespan up to ten times longer, will reduce CO² emissions in the UK by more than 3.9 million tonnes a year. In the next few years we will see a considerable increase in the volume of CFLs reaching end-of-life. Fluorescent bulbs are, generally, safe to use. However, it is when these bulbs are broken or improperly disposed of that they become a problem. Until now, many people have been unaware that these low energy alternatives need specialist recycling because too little information has been provided to consumers about the minute amount of mercury they contain, and that they are classed as hazardous waste. That is why is critical to raise public awareness about the importance of recycling Compact Fluorescent Lamps responsibly. Safe Disposal of CFLs Fluorescent bulbs contain chemical compounds such as fluorine, neon, lead powder, and mercury. As most of us already know, mercury is poisonous, this and the other chemical compounds mentioned can leach out of landfills and poison our drinking water, soil, and add toxic fumes to the air we breathe. These bulbs are considered "hazardous" and, if broken, they can cause long term damage to the environment and originate health problems to the people that have been in contact with the substances. Mercury has the ability to cause humans, as well as animals, serious health problems such as permanent nerve and kidney damage if exposed to. How to Recycle Compact Fluorescent Lamps The best way to dispose of fluorescent bulbs is to recycle them; do not throw them in the garbage. You can check your county recycling locations for household hazardous waste collection sites and disposal information. Some counties collect fluorescent and other non-incandescent bulbs for recycling. In 2010, Robert Dyas, in partnership with Recolight, provided the first ever light bulb recycling service for consumers. This initiative, carried out in the 96 Robert Dyas stores across the UK, enableb consumers to easily dispose their light bulbs. With 88% of the population having at least one low energy light bulb in their home, and this number set to increase, providing consumers with a convenient high street recycling option is essential. Visit us for more information on Compact Fluorescent Lamps and light bulbs.
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