Know Your Light Bulb Options

Compare Brightness, Efficiency & Disposal
Confused about what kind of light bulb to use? Or annoyed that your $9 energy efficient light bulb doesn't illuminate your room the same way the incandescent did? We've found the perfect guide to evaluate options and make the right purchase for your needs.

Brightness – Look at Lumens
If brightness is critical, then you want to look at lumens. Your old 100 watt light bulb had 1,600 lumens. Look at the Lighting Facts on the packaging (see graphic to the right) to see what the lumen output is, but here's how the other watts translate to lumens:

• 40 watt = 450 lumens
• 60 watt = 800 lumens
• 75 watt = 1,100 lumens
• 100 watt = 1,600 lumens

Efficiency & Cost Over Time
Lighting Facts does provide you the annual energy costs. If you want a comparison to other light bulbs, use the cheat sheet from the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC). Here's a snapshot of the cost over 10 years.

Recycle or Trash?
You might also not be sure how to dispose of the different types of light bulbs now. Incandescent ones can go in the garbage because they don't contain hazardous material. But with CFLs, LEDs and halogen incandescent bulbs, you might be unsure. Here is our recommendation:

Recycle
These lightbulbs contain mercury, with the exception of the LEDs, which contain lead and other metals.

• CFLs (compact fluorescent lights)
• Fluorescent tubes
• Ballasts
• High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps
• LED

Trash

Halogen
Incandescent bulbs

Want to Learn More?
NRDC's Light Bulb Guide
NRDC's Facts About Light Bulbs & Mercury
EPA's Guide to Clean Up a Broken CFL
Why Phillips Flattened the LED bulb

For more information on safe and smart disposal and recycling options, visit us at www.WhereItShouldGo.com or call 244.0021.