The Allegheny County Health Department, in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, is offering a free collection program for recycling compact fluorescent light bulbs.

CFLs, which contain small amounts of mercury, have become increasingly popular in recent years because they are longer lasting than traditional light bulbs and cut electricity costs by up to 75 percent.

“Our collection program gives consumers a disposal option that is safer for the environment and public health than discarding CFLs with household trash. An estimated 99.9 percent of the mercury will be recovered,” said County Health Director Dr. Bruce W. Dixon.

CFLs may be dropped off Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Clack Health Center, Building 5, Public Drinking Water and Waste Management Program, 3901 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville.

The CFLs will be accepted for a limited time and should be transported and delivered in a way that prevents breakage.

Health officials note CFLs are a win-win for the consumer and the environment. While CFLs cost more initially, the energy savings can pay back the higher upfront cost in as little as four months and save more than $60 over a CFLs entire life. In addition, CFLs cut pollution from power plants since less energy is needed to light them.

5/9/2008