On Oct. 14 there was a letter to the editor that I feel needs some clarification. While I agree with many of their points about CFLs, the letter did contain some misinformation.I agree that Congress passed a law promoting a technology before that technology was thoroughly tested and proved. Mercury-base bulbs, be they tubes or CFLs, do reduce the amount of energy needed to produce the lighting that we all desire. They also reduce the amount of Mercury being released into our atmosphere by coal fired power plants which is greater than what is released by broken bulbs.
CFLs do not contain large amounts of mercury. The amount in one bulb is about the size of a pin head. On Oct. 4, 2010, the National Electrical Manufactures Association (NEMA) signed an agreement setting the standards for CFLs. This is a voluntary commitment to cap the Mercury content in CFLs. The average content for CFLs less than 25 watts is 4 milligrams per lamp and those that use 25 to 40 watts of electricity at 5 milligrams. Mercury is a heavy metal and as such, 4 to 5 milligrams is a very small amount. If a bulb is broken, open the window and leave the room for a few minutes. Mercury off gasses, allow this process to happen. Clean up with disposable items, such as a stiff card. Double plastic bag and seal. Bring the contents and spent bulbs to KC Recycling Depot for proper recycling.
Did you know that these bulbs are 100 percent recyclable? The mercury, the phosphorus powder, the glass and the aluminum are all recycled. Spent incandescent bulbs are trash. Properly handled these are safe bulbs. Technology is ever changing and that is true with light bulbs. In this case, legislation came before the technology. LED lights are non-hazardous, long lasting, but again the technology has not gotten to the place where they are practical for everyday use. Improvements are being made everyday, but until their wattage is increased and the price is lowered, the average homeowner will not be using this product.
For up-to-date information, check www.nema.org This is the industry dealing directly with the CFL issue. Remember that KC Recycling offers free recycling of these bulbs for residential customers.
I am pleased to say that Kosciusko County has one of the highest recycling participation rates in the state for mercury. KC Recycling Depot remains committed to providing residents of Kosciusko County with the means to properly handle and dispose of their problem wastes.
