Switch to LEDs

 

The Benefits of LEDs

  • LEDs can last up to 35x longer than incandescent lights and almost 4x as long as fluorescent lights
  • LEDs produce more light per watt than incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs
  • LEDs light up instantly and many are dimmable
  • LEDs waste little energy because most of the light may be directed where it is needed
  • LEDs do not contain mercury

For the best quality, look for LED lights with the ENERGY STAR® label.

LED Lights vs. Incandescent Lights vs. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

The chart above is courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy and based on 3 hours of use per day, at $0.11 cents per kWh. Please note that PWP’s average is approximately $0.18 cents per kWh.

Frequently Asked Questions  

Are LEDs or CFLs safe to put in my weekly trash pick-up?

All fluorescent lamps and tubes should be recycled or disposed of as hazardous waste. The City of Pasadena offers no-cost recycling for used light bulbs and batteries, including LEDs.

What happens if I break a fluorescent light bulb, how do I clean it up?

Fluorescent light bulbs contain a small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. When a fluorescent bulb breaks in your home, some of this mercury is released as mercury vapor. To minimize exposure to mercury vapor, PWP recommends that residents follow cleanup and disposal steps:

  1. In a household or for small quantity breakages, do not use a standard vacuum cleaner! Instead of vacuuming, wear latex gloves and carefully clean up the fragments. Wipe the area with a damp disposable paper towel to remove all glass fragments and associated mercury.
  2. Keep all people and pets away from area so that mercury-containing pieces and powder are not tracked into other areas.
  3. Keep the area well ventilated to disperse any vapor than may escape.
  4. After cleanup is complete, place all fragments along with cleaning materials into a sealable plastic bag. Wash your hands. Recycle along with intact lamps.

For more details, click here to visit the Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) page on the EPA website.

Where do I go to dispose of my light bulbs?

Compact fluorescent lamps must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Take your lamps and tubes to a local household hazardous waste facility, or hardware store, like the ones listed below. LEDs can be recycled through the City of Pasadena's recycling program, visit the Public Works website for more information.