Last month we gave you the opportunity to swing by for a free Compact Flouorescent bulb, this month we have been inducted into the Residential CFL Recycling Program by Ameren Missouri. While CFLs run cool and save you a LOT of green by consuming 75% less energy it is important to know that they contain trace amounts of Mercury, making them unsuitable to be thrown out with the trash. While the Mercury is responsible for the energy efficiency, the heavy metal can have detrimental effects on animal and plant life if enough is leached into our ground water. As the popularity of energy-efficient lighting grows, it becomes even more important to dispose of CFLs safely and responsibly. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that consumers take advantage of available local recycling options for compact fluorescent light bulbs. Proper recycling allows us all to enjoy the benefits of CFLs while properly managing their special disposal needs. Bring your old bulbs in and we will safely, and without hassle, dispose of them.Snopes fact sheet on CFL/ Mercury contamination
