Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs – Some facts
Because there were problems with energy-saving bulbs in the past (they were dim, they flickered, they took ages to warm up) some people are wary of trying them again. However, the technology has advanced considerably since the early days. CFLs now come not only in the “stick” form but also in the “normal” bulb shape, and under the Energy Savings Trust's “energy saving recommended” accreditation, CFCs must emit the same warm light tone as incandescent bulbs. Their life is no longer affected by switching off and on, and there are new lamps available that you can dim on ordinary domestic dimmer switches or alternately by staged dimming using a standard light switch. The number of these types of products is increasing.
One problem remains. CFLs really should not be thrown in the bin, because they contain a small amount of mercury. However they can't be put in the green box either. Currently, Ealing Council website offers no suggestions, but probably the Borough's waste collection sites would accept spent bulbs.
I learned from the Greenpeace website that by July, all retailers will have to provide CFL return and recycling facilities at their shops under an EU waste directive - IKEA is the only major retailer doing so at the moment. So look out for signs that this is happening!
For more information see www.greenpeace.org.uk/