Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, and they are better for the environment.  Calculate your savings with our Light Switch Calculator.

If every home in America replaced just one bulb with an Energy Star qualified CFL, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes, and it would prevent  greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of more than 800,000 cars annually.  Compact Fluorescents last 10 times longer too.  But, when they do finally burn out, you shouldn’t throw them away. 

CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury that is sealed within the glass tubing.  It’s equivalent to the amount of mercury that would cover the tip of a ball-point pen.  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends taking your compact fluorescents to a recycling center. 

Residents of Davidson County can drop them off at Nashville’s East Waste and Recycling Facility off of Trinity Lane.  Its open 7 days a week (Mon-Sat 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Sun from Noon to 4 p.m.).

Cleaning Up a Broken CFL

• Open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes.
• Clean up as much of the bulb as you can without using a vacuum.
  • Wear rubber gloves.
  • Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel.
  • Tape can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.  
• Seal all debris in a plastic bag.
• Wash your hands.