Nationwide Recycling Program for CFL Light Bulbs Launched
Posted on February 11, 2009
Filed Under General |
With over 300 million compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) purchased in
the U.S. since 2006, it is clear Americans have caught on to the money
and energy savings offered by the bulbs.
The disposal of these bulbs, on the other hand, remains an issue
for most consumers. Most of these bulbs are landfilled at their end of
life, where they can release mercury vapor into the environment.
[CFLs are far more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, which are being phased out in Europe and the United States. Eventually, LED lighting may replace CFLs, some scientists say.]
One project aims to answer the consumer demand for CFL recycling with a free community-based nationwide recycling program. The Green Action Project
(G.A.P.), sponsored by NLR, Inc., a leading waste recycler of lamps,
electronic waste, batteries and mercury devices, offers free CFL
recycling to non-profit organizations, schools, community organizations
and events.
Organizations that can demonstrate a need for CFL recycling and the
willingness to use program in terms of environmental awareness, green
action, sustainability efforts or community projects, can apply to
receive the ComPak CFL Recycling Center at no cost. ComPak is the
nation's first completely self-contained and self-service recycling
center designed to meet the growing needs of CFL recycling.
How It Works
The Com-Pak recycling center is shipped to qualified applicants free
of charge. The center is designed to hold up to 180 CFLs in an
environmentally safe container and comes with two recycling containers,
two liners and FedEx return labels. Once the container is full, the
assigned location manager contacts FedEx for pick-up, which will ship
the CFLs to NLR for recycling. CFLs are recycled within 24 hours at
NLR's Connecticut facility, whereupon the organization will receive a
Certificate of Green Recycling.
Why Recycle CFLs?
CFLs contain approximately 4 milligrams of mercury each. Though 4
milligrams is a relatively small amount, the amount of mercury from the
estimated 300 million CFLs sold in the U.S. since 2006 would equate to
.15 metric tons of mercury. Put another way, it only takes one teaspoon
of mercury to contaminate a 100-acre body of water.
Bright Future: LEDs Revolutionize Lighting
End of the Light Bulb Generates Controversy
Find a Recycling Center Near You
Original Story: Nationwide Recycling Program for CFL Light Bulbs Launched
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