From The Asian Reporter, V18, #1 (January 1, 2008), page 13.

Switching traditional light bulbs to Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs is a change people can make to reduce energy use at home. However, just like fluorescent tubes, the bulbs contain mercury as an essential component.

Mercury is what allows the bulb to be an efficient light source, but mercury is also a toxic substance harmful to both humans and the environment. When fluorescent tubes and bulbs break, mercury contained within them can be released, creating a risk of exposure to mercury vapor, according to a statement recently released by Clark County.

Consumers should be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it, or replacing it. Always screw and unscrew the bulbs by the base (not the glass), and never forcefully twist the CFL into a light socket, officials suggest.

Unbroken, used fluorescent tubes and bulbs should also be disposed of properly. Mercury pollution is a county, state, and global problem, and affects rivers and lakes. Mercury-containing products can cause pollution when thrown in the trash, where they might be crushed, incinerated, or otherwise mismanaged. Recycling mercury-containing fluorescent tubes and bulbs is an effective way to prevent this problem.

Residents of Clark County can recycle fluorescent tubes and CFLs at the following collection sites:

• Central Transfer & Recycling Center, 11034 N.E. 117th Avenue, Vancouver, Wash., (360) 256-8482.
• West Van Materials Recovery Center, 6601 N.W. Old Lower River Road, Vancouver, Wash., (360) 737-1727.
• Philip Services, 625 S. 32nd Avenue, Washougal, Wash., (360) 835-8594.

Portland-area residents have several options for recycling, including:

• Total Reclaim / EcoLights Northwest, 5805 N.E. Columbia Boulevard, Portland, (503) 281-1899.
• Metro Central Hazardous Waste Facility, 6161 N.W. 61st Avenue, Portland, (503) 234-3000.
• Bear eCycling, 4532 S.E. 63rd Avenue, Portland, (503) 808-1265.

For more information about Clark County’s recycling programs, call Clark County Environmental Services at (360) 397-6118, ext. 4352. For more information on Portland-area recycling, including other recycling center locations, visit <www.metro-region.org> and search "find a recycler."

To learn more about handling broken bulbs, visit the Environ- mental Protection Agency’s website at <www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm#whatnever>.