As a member of the Natural Resources Committee, I was very proud last year to be a part of the effort to see the Legislature pass the nation’s first-ever program to dispose of compact fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs are good for the environment because they last longer than traditional bulbs and use less energy, thus lowering electric consumption.

CFL bulbs, however, contain hazardous mercury. Mercury vapor from broken bulbs can harm babies, children and pregnant women, and the bulbs can pollute the environment if dumped in the trash by entering the waste flow system.

If they are disposed of in a landfill, the mercury has the potential of contaminating groundwater.

If, as in Auburn, they are disposed at an incendiary facility, the mercury is emitted into the air and contaminates the air and bodies of water, which work their way through the ecosystem from fish to people.

Proper disposal of a CFL bulb is critical in preventing mercury from entering the waste flow system. The average bulb can last up to seven years. People need to take the time to collect them and properly dispose of them. Lewiston-Auburn residents can take them to several locations: Aubuchon Hardware, Paris Farmers Union, M.M.W.A.C., Kmart, Wal-Mart, Lowe’s and Home Depot.

From cleaning up the Androscogginn River to the first-in-the-nation bottle bill, Maine has led the way in protecting the environment. Let’s continue doing so.

Rep. Brian Bolduc, Auburn

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