Keep CFL bulbs out of landfills

I'm both pleased and troubled with the proliferation Compact Florescent Light bulbs. While we are being forced to use CFLs, despite their many drawbacks, at least it's a step in some direction to address our gross use of energy.

However, what many may not understand is that these bulbs contain trace quantities of Mercury. The bulbs need to be recycled through proper recycling systems to prevent Mercury contamination of landfills.

I can't state this strongly enough.

Please ask your seller of CFLs if you can return them when they burn out. I know of at least one retailer that does this.

It should be the responsibility of the retailer to take the bulbs back for proper disposition. After all, they sold them to us.

Perhaps we should have to put a significant deposit on them at time of purchase? Whatever it takes to keep these bulbs out of landfills needs to be done to protect us and future generations.

Gary Carmichael

Des Plaines