ALBANY--The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) kicked off an effort to promote the use of energy efficient lighting and to create a network of collection centers to help consumers properly dispose of old CFLs.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs help reduce power plant pollution associated with energy production.
Because of their energy saving properties, CFLs are becoming more widely used in households, and it is important that consumers become aware that CFLs should be handled and disposed of properly to avoid any unnecessary mercury releases. Homeowners should also know that if a CFL is accidentally broken, a small amount of mercury may be released and proper cleanup guidance should be followed to prevent any potential health impacts. NYSERDA, NYSDEC, and LIPA strongly recommend that ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs, with their small amount of mercury, be used and that CFLs be collected and recycled. Most businesses are required to recycle their spent CFLs or otherwise properly manage their waste. There are already 16 partners signed up for the program and interest continues to grow.
Through this program, NYSERDA, NYSDEC, and LIPA hope to provide a convenient recycling opportunity for households to properly manage their old CFLs and reduce one of the sources of mercury from entering the environment, according to NYSDEC Commissioner Pete Grannis.
NYSERDA and LIPA will provide training and marketing materials to businesses and organizations that sign up to become CFL collection centers. Additionally, NYSERDA will post and promote all of the CFL collection centers on its web site.
Collection centers will be required to train employees in the proper handling of used CFLs, accept only whole CFLs, and provide labeling, storage and transportation of CFLs as approved under DEC’s Universal Waste Rule.
NYSERDA
www.nyserda.org
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