Fluorescent lamps contain mercury, one of the most hazardous substances in our homes. When the fluorescent lamps are put in a landfill, the glass breaks and the mercury is released. The mercury usually becomes part of leachate, the liquid that washes out of the bottom of the landfill.

SHOULD I STILL USE FLUORESCENT LAMPS?

Definitely. Fluorescent lamps use less electricity and cut down on the mercury that is emitted from power plants. Anything we can do to reduce mercury emissions from power plant is very important. By using and then recycling fluorescent lamps you will be doing your part to keep mercury out of our environment.

RECYCLE MERCURY THERMOSTATS TOO

Thermostats containing mercury are also banned from landfills. When you replace a thermostat, make sure you take the old thermostat back to the retailer where you purchased it. When you replace your thermostat, use a digital thermostat. These thermostats do not contain mercury.