There is a lot of concern about Compact Fluorescent Lights and the mercury they contain and while recycling programs exist with some retailers, there still aren’t many options for folks who don’t live near these retailers. Leaving many with the desire to do the right thing and reduce their consumption of electricity, but concerned they aren’t doing the right thing with the pollution that CFL’s create. It is a bit of a catch-22. Now there is another way for those people to safely recycle their bulbs.

On July 16th Waste Management launched a new website www.thinkgreenfromhome.com and sent me a press kit along with a sample of their recycling kit to review.

Thinkgreenfromhome.com is a streamlined online service for the recycling of universal household waste including compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), batteries, and eventually other household electronics. Through the website they offer consumers convenient mail-in solutions to safely store and recycle heavy metal containing household devices, as well as resources to encourage household sustainability.

The core purpose of the site is the recycling of CFL bulbs and flourescent bulbs under 3ft long. To safely store and recycle used CFLs and batteries, customers can order online and receive prepaid-postage kits delivered to their door. Think Green® From Home CFL recycling kits incorporate Mercury VaporLok technology, which is designed to reduce the risk of airborne exposure and environmental contamination from lamps broken during storage and shipping. The kits are suitable for both the storage and transport of discarded bulbs or batteries and are approved for shipping by the United States Postal Service. Consumers can ship the boxes directly from their home or at any one of the over 34,000 postal offices across the country.

The bulb and battery recycling kits cost $14.95 and include postage to you and back to Waste Management. The straight tube recycling kit runs $59.95. When you mail the kit back to Waste Management you have your account set to automatically mail you a replacement box.

In looking at the sample kit they sent me I think it is a great program, but I am concerned that most will not want to pay the $14.95, even though it mainly covers the postage to and from your home. With the cost of gas where it is today I think that this program makes a bit of sense when you consider that driving to the nearest Ikea or Home Depot (if you even have one near you) will cost you a pretty penny for a round trip and cause it’s own share of harmful pollutants. The Vaporlock bag that comes with this kit is another great idea and also adds some value to this program. You no longer have to worry about the bulbs at home or at the retailers breaking and releasing their mercury into our air. You can also sign-up to receive confirmation that your bulbs have been recycled. You won’t get that from the retailers. In fact I often wonder if they just throw them away anyway.

Another exciting thing about this site are the coming options for electronics and computers along with other home recycling options. The more you can do from your home the better. It keeps cars off the road and makes breathing a little easier for everyone.

For more information or to order your kit visit www.thinkgreenfromhome.com.