Energy users forget where to dispose of compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) after they've reached their lifetime limits. Because they last so long, it's often easy to think you can just toss them in the trash bin. CFLs contain a small amount of mercury. Enough, when improperly disposed of, can leach into soil and water. Each of us has to find a proper recycling service within our own municipalities. Here are four websites that will help you navigate this issue:

 (1) Earth911: Helps you find recycling centers. Just input what type of materials you want to recycle and your location. Simple and to the point.

 (2) Sylvania: Provides affordable recycle kits for CFLs.

 (3) Lightbulbrecycling.com: You can order recycling kits for a bulk amount of bulbs. This service might not work for the average energy user.

 (4) EPA: For more information and links, go to the EPA site.

In addition to these websites, IKEA has a permanent in-store zone for CFL recycling and Walmart has implimented one of its own (depending on its success, it may become a permanent zone).

Which companies make quality CFL dimmers?

Q: “Which manufacturers have a CFL that can be dimmed? Which companies have a quality dimmer for the CFL?”

We need to break this question down into two categories. The first would be manufacturers of CFLs that are dimmable and that screw into a standard socket and have an integral ballast. The other would be manufacturers that make hard-wire CFLs that have dimming ballasts within the housing.

Most people are looking for dimmable, warm-color-temperature (27K) CFLs that can replace existing household bulbs. More and more companies are starting to offer this type of lamp, but not all of them are created equal. Some do not have instant start and take a few seconds to come on, while others take a minute or so to come up to full brightness. In colder climates it can take even longer. More...