ALBANY, N.Y., May 1 (UPI) -- The recent push for energy efficiency and conservation is causing problems with recycling new products in New York.
There's no way to recycle the compact fluorescent light bulbs that are being marketed as an easy way to save energy, the Albany Times Union reported.
The bulbs last longer and use two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent light bulbs, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. But there is mercury in the bulbs and no way to safely dispose of them yet. More that 120,000 CFLs have been sold in the area.
"If a resident calls me now, I'm asking them to hold onto them until we can schedule a collection day," said Bill Chamberlain, Troy, N.Y.'s solid-waste coordinator. "I'm not getting too many calls yet, but it is going to be a problem."
In Australia, there will likely be similar challenges since CFLs were mandated and standard light bulbs were banned. The European Union and Canada are also debating banning incandescent bulbs in exchange for CFLs.
Aside from disposal, if the bulb is broken being screwed into a lamp or light fixture, even with the small amount of mercury there could be potential health risks.
