Today, many homes and businesses are using compact fluorescent light bulbs - a great choice for the environment and for your pocketbook! An Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent bulb (CFL):

• Uses 75% l energy, which helps to improve local air quality
• Lasts ten times longer
• Puts $30 back in your pocket through savings in energy costs over its life
• Saves 2,000 times its weight in greenhouse gases

Although CFLs and fluorescent tubes are more energy efficient and longer lasting, they contain a small amount of mercury, a substance that is toxic to humans and animals.

Unfortunately, only 24% ohe 600 million fluorescent light bulbs and tubes discarded each year are recycled. CFLs and tubes that are disposed of improperly allow mercury to leech into our soil and water, impacting public health by contaminating our food chain.

In Marion County, recycling fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs is easy! Residents can drop-off these bulbs at one of the city's ToxDrop locations.

Businesses that generate less than 220 pounds of hazardous waste each month can also take advantage of the ToxDrop program. Simply call 327-4TOX to arrange an appointment for collection. Larger monthly users of fluorescent and other types of energy-efficient lighting can work with a private recycler.

Thanks to a mercury awareness grant, the city also will be offering businesses a one-use, pre-paid box to properly dispose of fluorescent lighting. After the box is filled with up to 64 four-foot or 30 eight-foot fluorescent tubes, the box is mailed to a vendor who ensures the contents are properly recycled. Supplies are limited. To learn more, call (317) 327-2234.