This news item expired on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
When one of your new energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs goes out, what do you do with it? If you trash it, read on.
Until now most consumers have thrown their new energy efficient, compact fluorescent light bulbs in the trash just like an old incandescent (regular) light bulb; however, that's not a good idea according to the Environmental Protection Agency and the County's Hazardous Waste Officer.
The new energy efficient light bulbs contain mercury and need to be recycled. Until now there hasn't been anywhere in Buncombe County to take these bulbs. At the Tuesday, May 15th County Commission Meeting, Denese Ballew, County Hazardous Waste Officer, will present a plan to keep the energy efficient, mercury carrying bulbs out of the landfill.
If approved by the Commissioners, citizens will be able to drop off their old light bulbs at their nearest volunteer fire department. Stay tuned for more details.
More information about compact fluorescent lamps (energy efficient light bulbs).