Toxic bulbs.

LIGHT bulbs; FLUORESCENT lighting; GREEN movement; WASTE recycling; LIGHTING equipment; CONSERVATION of natural resources; GREENHOUSE effect; LIGHT; MERCURY; MERCURY poisoning

VERMONTReport Available; UNITED StatesReport Available

This article looks at the dilemma over handling discarded compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in the United States. Many consumers are buying these bulbs to replace the old incandescents because they use less energy and last much longer. In Australia, all homeowners and businesses are required to change over to CFLs by 2010. The problem comes in tossing them away when they are used up as CFLS contain mercury and cannot be put in landfills. Vermont has an early and effective plan for recycling the bulbs. INSET: And If You Break a CFL....