The collection is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in order to provide a safe outlet for the disposal of these bulbs. CFL bulb sales have increased nationwide in efforts to save energy and greenhouse gasses. “If all of the households in Pennsylvania changed just one incandescent light bulb to an Energy Star-qualified CFL, consumers could save $25.5 million annually on household electric bills and prevent nearly 382 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions each year,” said DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty. “That is the power of energy efficiency, and we need to encourage people to take advantage of that power by adopting these safe and readily available technologies as soon as possible.”

Bulbs collected at the Solid Waste Authority office will be held in sealed plastic containers which will be returned to AERC Recycling, based in Allentown, PA. Once the containers are filled, they will be shipped back to AERC for recycling. CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, as is a necessary component of all fluorescent lighting, including those that have been used safely in homes, businesses and retail establishments for years. The amount of mercury in one CFL is 5 milligrams – about the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen, or about 1% of the volume found in an old-style glass thermometer, or one-fifth the amount in a watch battery. Though the amount is small, proper handling must be ensured in order to prevent the mercury from escaping into the environment. Therefore, great care should be taken to not break CFLs.

The Cambria County Solid Waste Authority will be accepting CFLs at their office located at 507 Manor Drive in Ebensburg during their normal business hours of Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. For more information on this collection or any other recycling opportunities, contact the Solid Waste Authority toll-free at 1-877-237-6748.