A light bulb primer
What about the new rules on light bulbs? Should I stock up on incandescents?
Absolutely not! Most incandescents waste energy by turning it into heat, not light. That's why they're HOT when you touch them. The newer lights are fluorescents or LEDs, last longer, use less energy, and save you money!
Okay, so what type of bulb shall I buy? It's so confusing to me.
Don't fret. You're not alone. The preferable bulbs today are LED (light emitting diode). They come to full illumination instantly, provide excellent color temperature, are dimmable, and are the least costly in the long run. Xcel Energy provides an excellent resource here.
Another good bulb resource is the LUMEN Coalition website, which answers most consumers' questions. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also offers information, as does Jim Dontje, Director of Johnson Center for Environmental Innovation at Gustavus Adolphus College, on his webpage Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulbs.
Wondering what to do with those burned out compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)?
Home Depot stores will take them nationwide, and Menards stores will take them in Minnesota. In both cases, there is no charge. Many other local stores will take them for a small fee to cover the cost they're charged by the recycling companies.
What if I want to replace all the incandescent bulbs in my home or business? What do I do with them?
There is still a need for incandescent bulbs in some households. In the Mankato area you can take them to the Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota ReStore — provided they're still working, of course!
How about appliances?
If your large appliance is still working, call the Habitat for Humanity of South Central Minnesota ReStore to see if they can use it. If they can't, most stores will take your old appliance — whether it's operating or not — for free or a minimal fee. If they do not, we suggest you shop elsewhere. If you just want to get rid of an old appliance, GreenTech of Mankato will take it.
What about electronics?
Best Buy and GreenTech will take almost all electronics without charge. Other electronics stores may take them, but they may have to charge a fee due to their recycling costs.
How about everything else? Can I recycle it?
In fact, almost anything can be recycled or reused. There are several re-use stores in the Mankato area. These include Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC), MRCI, Salvation Army, and VINE. If you are in doubt about whether they will take an item, call them before attempting to deliver it.
Almost anything else — from plastic bags to videocassettes to CDs and DVDs — can be recycled at GreenTech.
Other recycling opportunities:
