Over the past year, Long Electric has been promoting and distributing CFLs to encourage our family, friends and associates to make the change. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are lighting more homes and businesses than ever before, and the EPA is encouraging Americans to use and recycle them safely. Carefully recycling CFLs prevents the release of mercury into the environment and allows for the reuse of glass, metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights.

Did you know that the mercury from one fluorescent bulb can ruin 6,000 gallons of drinking water? Mercury released into the air and water is toxic to wildlife and humans. Exposure to mercury affects brain function and impairs brain development.

So what should you do if a CFL bulb breaks?

Before Cleanup, air out the room. Have people and pets leave the room and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more. Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.

To clean up spills on hard surfaces, carefully scoop up glass pieces and powder using still paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with a metal lid or in a sealed plastic bag. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes. Place towels in the glass jar or plastic bag. Whatever you do, do NOT use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

To clean up a spill on carpeting or an area rug, follow the same step for clean up of a hard surface. But if vacuuming is needed after all visible material is removed; vacuum the area where the bulb was broken. Continue by removing the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.

Where can I dispose my CFLs safely?

You can recycle your spent CFLs. Simply take them to any local Home Depot or IKEA location. Both offer free in-store recycling. If you don't live near either business, visit www.Earth911.org to find a recycling location near you.