In my job I attend a lot of community events to share the same energy conservation message THIS SPACE is dedicated to: simple steps can cut your electricity use and keep a few extra bucks in your pocket.

One of the best and easiest options is to switch from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. They use about a third of the electricity and last up to 10 years, which can save as much as $33 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.
Image: Creative Commons, Flickr/Paul Keller

A common question that comes up is what a person can do once the bulb does burn out. Smart consumers recognize that there is a small amount of mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs – about the size of the head of a pin. 

There are many worse polluters, including coal-fired electricity production, but I understand that folks don’t want to be directly responsible for adding any more mercury into the environment. I also understand the desire to avoid paying a fee for doing the right thing. 

The good news is that your opportunities for recycling compact fluorescent bulbs FOR FREE are growing rapidly.

• Home Depot recently started free collection for recycling at all its stores.
• Metro takes CFLs and other hazardous materials year-round at collection centers. Watch for your neighborhood roundup schedule, too.
• IKEA recycles bulbs and tubes for free.

Check out more hazardous materials Metro accepts for recycling including paints, batteries, and hobby chemicals.

It might be a while before you can take advantage of these services since the bulbs last so long, but when that time comes, this week’s ONE THING to do is to dispose of your burned out compact fluorescent light bulbs properly and buy more to replace them with.