You've probably heard about CFLs, those energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps that many (including us) regularly recommend as alternatives to typical incandescent lights.  You've probably also heard that CFLs contain very small amounts of mercury sealed in glass tubing.  The typical CFL has about 4 milligrams of mercury, which would fit on the tip of a ballpoint pen, and newer CFLs have as little as 1.4 milligrams of mercury, according to the Department of Energy.

However, because of that mercury, CFLs must be disposed of carefully.  In many areas, you can't put them in the household trash, and many recycling programs won't accept CFLs.  If you're trying to figure out how to dispose of your CFLs, Waste Management, the nation's largest waste and recycling company, has a solution.

The company recently launched an online serices, called Think Green From Home, that makes it easy to safely recycle household waste such as CFLs and batteries.  On the website, homeowners can order mail-in recycling kits for CFLs, batteries and (soon) small electronics such as cell phones and MP3 players.

The website explains step-by-step how to recycle CFLs, and will even provide you with a confirmation of recycling via e-mail.  Each CFL Recycling Kit is priced at $14.95, and can hold up to 15 CFLs.  the kits come complete with a re-searable VaporLok bag and a prepaid reutrn shipping label.  When the box is full, seal it and put it in your mailbox.  It's that easy.  For more information:  www.thinkgreenfromhome.com or 866-699-6466.