Compact Fluorescent
Light Bulbs (CFLs)
Why use CFLs?
Installing compact fluorescent light bulbs is a simple
way to save energy and money, while protecting the
environment. CFLs use up to 75 per cent less energy
and last six to 10 times longer than incandescent light
bulbs. Island homeowners who participated in A
Bright Idea, a pilot project carried out in PEI in 2006,
saved up to $95 a year on their electricity bill by
switching to CFLs.
Compare and Save
CFL
(13 watt*)
Incandescent
(60 watt*)
Price of bulb
Bulb life
Annual energy use
Energy cost over 6 years
Bulbs replaced in 6 years
Savings over bulb life
$3.00
6 years
$2.48
$14.88
0
$45.52
50¢
250 days
$9.90
$59.40
8
---
*produces the same amount of light
CFLs are also a good choice for our environment.
Because they last so much longer, CFLs reduce
landfill waste. And, they reduce greenhouse gas
emissions that contribute to climate change.
Where can CFLs be used?
CFLs can be used almost anywhere. They come in a
variety of shapes and sizes and fit in most lamps and
ceiling fixtures. Many CFLs are made specifically for
use in recessed, dimmable, and trilight fixtures.
Weatherproof CFLs are also available for outdoor use
and if conditions are excessively wet. Otherwise,
CFLs directly exposed to water should be within an
enclosed water-tight fixture. Read the package
carefully to ensure that the CFL is being used in the
appropriate fixture and location.
CFLs are not recommended for lights on digital timers
and fixtures with photocells (motion sensors or light
sensors); garage door openers (the vibration may
render the bulb inoperable); or areas that experience
power surges.
What happens when CFLs burn out?
CFLs have a unique “end-of-life” characteristic. In
certain circumstances, a CFL may emit smoke and a
melting, plastic-like odour at the end of its life. This
is a common occurrence and is not considered
dangerous. More often, the bulb will simply not light
and this will indicate it needs to be replaced.
Should I be concerned about mercury in CFLs?
CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury, an essential
ingredient for most energy-efficient lamps. However,
no mercury is released when the bulb is in use.
Mercury occurs
CFLs contain an average of
naturally in the
five milligrams (mg) of
environment and
mercury sealed within the
glass tubing. This amount
is used in many
would fit on the tip of a ball
other household
point pen. How does that
items, such as
compare to other household
thermostats,
items that contain mercury?
thermometers,
• watch battery – 25 mg
fluorescent lights,
• mercury thermometer –
batteries and
500-2,000 mg
• tilt thermostat – 3,000 mg
switches for
• electric frying pan –
appliances, lights
3,500 mg
and automobiles.
Since mercury can
be harmful to the environment and one’s health, every
product containing mercury should be handled with
care.
cont. on reverse
How should I dispose of CFLs?
What should I do if a CFL breaks?
Like paint, thermostats, cleaning products and other
potentially hazardous household items, CFLs and
other fluorescent lights should be disposed of
properly. Island households may take used CFLs and
other household hazardous waste to any Waste Watch
Drop-off Center in the province. Disposal is free.
To reduce the risk of the bulb breaking and to protect
yourself from cuts, wrap the bulb in a plastic bag and
seal, then put the bag in a rigid container to take it to
the Drop-Off Center.
If a bulb happens to break, follow these simple steps:
•
Open the windows to ventilate the area.
•
Sweep up all fragments (do not vacuum – it can
disperse particles).
•
Wipe the area with a damp paper towel.
•
Place the fragments and paper towel in a plastic
bag and seal.
•
Put the bag and its contents in a rigid container
and take it to a Waste Watch Drop-off Center
for safe disposal.
Waste Watch Drop-off Centers
Location
Hours of Operation
Household Hazardous Waste Accepted
Brockton
2022 Dock Road
Route # 150
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
anytime site is open
Wellington Centre
East Prince Waste
Management Facility
29786 Route # 2
Monday to Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
New London
10142 Route # 6
Tuesday and Thursday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
anytime site is open
Charlottetown
7 Superior Crescent
(corner of Mount Edward
Road & Perimeter Highway)
Monday to Friday
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday
7 a.m. to 2 p.m.*
Tuesday
7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
7 a.m. to 2 p.m.*
Dingwells Mills
100 Selkirk Road
Route # 309
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday
8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
anytime site is open
Murray River
378 Cape Bear Road
Route # 18
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
anytime site is open
*subject to change