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Shopping Tips > Hardware Store
Lighting
 fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs
flashlights
lighting timers and motion sensors
Fluorescent and Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs)
why use CFLs?
what about mercury in CFLs?
how do I dispose of CFLs?
what do I do if a CFL breaks?
Why use fluorescent bulbs and CFLs?
Replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs reduces energy costs and waste. CFLs use 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Using CFLs can save you some money in the long term while reducing the number of light bulbs you throw in the trash.
Most hardware stores carry a variety of energy efficient, compact fluorescents in shapes designed to fit fixtures both in and outside your home. While the initial purchase price of a compact fluorescent is higher, it lasts about ten times longer than an incandescent bulb and uses less electricity.
What about mercury in CFLs?
CFLs are safe to use. There is a miniscule amount of mercury in CFLs, this mercury is needed to allow the bulb to be an efficient light source. When bulbs are in tact or in use mercury is not released. It is only released if a bulb is mistakenly broken.
CFLs are one of many common household products that contain traces of mercury. While CFLs do contain 5 milligrams of mercury on average, this is miniscule compared to other common household products. In comparison, the average mercury thermometer contains 500 milligrams of mercury and mercury thermostats contain 3,000 milligrams of mercury. Four and eight foot fluorescent tubes contain an average of 10-15 milligrams of mercury. The number one source of mercury emissions in the US is from coal-burning power plants. Using CFLs will reduce these emissions because using them requires less energy usage.
How do I dispose of fluorescent bulbs and CFLs?
Residents - There is currently no law prohibiting residents from placing household CFLs in their trash, but to prevent injury to Sanitation workers, double bag CFLs before discarding.
Alternatively, CFLs and other fluorescents are considered special waste and can be dropped off at any of the NYC Department of Sanitation's Special Waste Drop-Off Sites. CFLs can also be dropped off for recycling at any Home Depot or IKEA.
Agencies, schools, businesses, and institutions are required by New York State law to recycle their fluorescent bulbs. Visit recyclers for a list of fluorescent bulb recyclers.
What do I do if a CFL breaks?
If a CFL breaks, you can follow the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) guidelines to ensure your safety.
ALSO SEE resources for more information on compact fluorescent bulbs.
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Flashlights
Nothing is more important than a flashlight during a power outage or when you have car trouble at night.
A number of manufacturers sell high beam flashlights powered by rechargeable batteries. Prevent waste by eliminating single-use batteries.
You can also use innovative products that run on solar, magnetic, or human power. See vendors for examples of innovative alternatives to batteries.
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Lighting timers and motion sensors
Installing timers or motion sensors can eliminate waste and save you money. Placing these items in specific rooms or closets, basements, and outdoor areas ensures that the lighting is available when you need it, and that lights will be turned off if you accidentally leave them on. Outdoor motion sensors also are helpful if you come home after dark and need light to find the keyhole.
Time-based controls are the least expensive. Check them out at your favorite hardware store.
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