CFL Recycling Program for Wake Electric residential members

Wake Electric recently expanded its commitment to promoting energy efficiency by launching a consumer compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb recycling program at all Wake Electric offices.

This free service is for members of Wake Electric and is intended to give them additional options for making environmentally conscious decisions from purchase to disposal.

Bulbs can be dropped off at any of the office locations during business hours - listed on the RIGHT side of this web page.

• At each Wake Electric office, members can simply bring in any expired, unbroken CFL bulbs, and give them to the customer service representative behind the front desk.
• The CFL recycling program is an extension of Wake Electric’s continued commitment to promoting feasible options for the public to save energy and to conserve at home.
• We accept COMPACT FLUORESCENT BULBS ONLY. We do not accept long, tubular fluorescent bulbs.
• The recycling program is for Wake Electric residential members only.  Bulbs can be dropped off at any office during business hours.  For more information on the program or about office locations, please visit www.wemc.com or call 1.800.474.6300.

To learn just how much CFLs can save you on your electric bill, visit Touchstone Energy's website.

For more information on how to properly dispose of CFLs, click here.

Goal of Program

“With our CFL recycling program, Wake Electric gives its members yet one more way to reduce energy consumption in their homes.   Our surveys show that our members are concerned with two major issues:  saving money on their electric bill and how to reduce their impact on the environment,” said Jim Mangum, CEO.

With recycling stations in Youngsville, Wake Forest, Oxford, and Zebulon, Wake Electric has made CFL recycling convenient for its 33,000 members throughout its service territory, which includes Durham, Franklin, Granville, Johnston, Nash, Vance, and Wake counties.

 “We are committed to providing money-saving, energy efficient solutions to our members,” said Mangum.

“The American public is rapidly switching from traditional light bulbs [called incandescent] to CFLs” said Mangum.  “It’s an easy change that helps use less electricity at home and prevents greenhouse gas emissions that may lead to global climate change.”

Mangum said that lighting accounts for up to 20 percent of the average home’s electric bill.   CFLs use 75 percent less electricity than incandescent light bulbs, last up to 10 times longer, cost little up front, and provide a quick return on investment.

There has been some concern, however, by consumers about the trace elements of mercury contained in the bulbs.

CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing – about 4 milligrams – or roughly the amount that would cover the tip of a ballpoint pen. By comparison, older thermometers contain about 500 milligrams of mercury– an amount equal to the mercury in 125 CFLs.  Mercury is an essential part of CFLs; it allows the bulb to be an efficient light source. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact (not broken) or in use.

If the bulbs are thrown in the household trash, however, there is a possibility the bulbs will break and the minute amount of mercury will leak out. 

“Some of our members have expressed concern about the small traces of mercury in these bulbs,” said Mangum.  “They were worried about how to safely and properly dispose of them.  Wake has addressed this concern for its members.”