NOV 08

Wouldn't it be great if instead of a zillion tiny packages purchased with each lightbulb... if instead they had large bins *at* the UPS or post office (maybe lined like restaurant glass carriers so you could place the bulb in each area and stack it without them breaking)? Once the bin was full it could be shipped as one parcel.

This is a pretty good idea, and Copeland's idea is not bad either...can we find some middle ground? which would be: 1) I notice that these bulbs are already stored in a pretty heavy duty container. 2) Not everyone wants to go to the UPS. I have a mailbox at home thank you. So 3) Make those heavy-duty containers that the bulbs come in, mailable packages, preferably with postage paid and pre-addressed. Better yet, make that packaging re-usable.

You know - you don't have to take these to some store or ship them through the mail individually. If you take them to your local hazardous waste center (which is where you should be taking dead batteries as well), they deal with them. I called my local recycling hotline (in Portland, Oregon) and asked what they do with the bulbs - they pay someone to remove the mercury and recycle the glass. And of course they must ship them in bulk to wherever they need to go - instead of one-by-one. So even if you have no Ikea nearby, you just might have a hazardous waste center somewhere close. Keep your batteries and bulbs in a big can and take them in once every year or two.

Check out http://earth911.org/ or call your local garbage hauler.

I understand about the special recycling importance of CFLs, but meanwhile, I have a tub of incandescents that I've decommissioned as I've switched over to CFLs. I would love to dispose of them without adding to the waste stream. Anyone have a lead on that?

For FREE CFL recycling drop off points, just check out www.recycleabulb.com.

I ALWAYS like free!

Michael P.:
I don't know where you are, but I live in Canada and have to heat my home in the winter. I actually use my old incandescents in the winter and switch to CFLs in the summer. Since the only inefficiency is heat production, I think that's okay.
Of course, this is debatable. I realise electric heating isn't the greatest option, but an old bulb that doubles as a weak space heater is fine by me.

Read how my family is tracking the impact of 'going green' on our electric, gas, and water bill. Read Jan 6th's blog, 'Fluorescent vs. LED Comparison: Flood Lights and Buyer's Regret'.

My goal is to find least expensive options for transforming my family's consumption patterns while maintaining or improving our standard of living. Watch us compare our monthly 2007 and 2008 electric, water and gas bills.

Find out for yourself from our real-life experiences.

peace,
jlw

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The thought of having a convient "drop-off" location would be great........ I know just the people who can handle this problem too....

How many people (including yourself) has gone to a home improvement store at some point of their life??? A vast majority of the time what do you see as soon as you walk in the doors????
Usually....... Light bulbs

Some of these stores are in the process of having a program that will do this.

I have searched through the internet and have found numerous companies that are not cost effective for a single return program.

Now for the sales pitch........


Myself along with some others decided that we wanted to actually wanted to solve this problem..... We dedicate ourselves on not just giving a solution to the problem, but give the knowledge of WHY we should do it..

By all means if anyone has any questions or a quote of our services please e-mail me at

ears.triad.rr.com

Please include subject line of
CFL RECYCLING

All of the Home Depot stores within 100 miles of my area (WNY) take back CFL's at no charge.

www.LampRecycling.com has a mail back program that is cheaper than Veolia's. It also gives you the ability to track how much waste you've recycled over time.

Waste Management has a mail in program for bulb recycling and battery recycling.

Here is a link.

http://wmchicago.com/Fluorescent_Bulb_Recycling.html

Take Care