In general, I think Ri could improve statewide with utilizing organizations that recycle. Most people throw their batteries away thinking that the personal impact to them is close to zero. I also see folks throwing out small to large amounts of flourescent light bulds. These light bulbs contain mercury. Mercury is a potent, developmental neurotoxin that can damage the brain, liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to mercury’s toxic effects. Even at low levels, mercury is capable of causing a number of health problems including impair motor functioning, cognitive ability and emotional problems. Higher or prolonged exposure can result in much more serious health problems. Research shows that there is enough mercury in just one fluorescent light bulb to contaminate 6,000 gallons of water. When these bulbs are broken, cracked and recyled inappropriatly, the mercury seeps into our environment. These bulbs are required by federal law to be disposed of properly but with little follow up, monitoring, and zero risks to offenders, bulbs will be continued to be thrown away. I like how this writter thinks.. Reuse, Recycle, and Reduce.

These bulbs are required by federal law to be disposed of properly but with little follow up, monitoring, and zero risks to offenders, bulbs will be continued to be thrown away.

How about telling the public what the proper disposal of a broken fluorescent bulb is. Once it is broken the damage is done, isn't it?

Part 2
During Cleanup
• DO NOT VACUUM. Vacuuming is not recommended unless broken glass remains after all other cleanup steps have been taken. Vacuuming could spread mercury-containing powder or mercury vapor.
• Be thorough in collecting broken glass and visible powder. Scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder. Place the used tape in the glass jar or plastic bag. See the detailed cleanup instructions for more information, and for differences in cleaning up hard surfaces versus carpeting or rugs.
• Place cleanup materials in a sealable container.

After Cleanup
• Promptly place all bulb debris and cleanup materials, including vacuum cleaner bags, outdoors in a trash container or protected area until materials can be disposed of. Avoid leaving any bulb fragments or cleanup materials indoors.
• Next, check with your local government about disposal requirements in your area, because some localities require fluorescent bulbs (broken or unbroken) be taken to a local recycling center. If there is no such requirement in your area, you can dispose of the materials with your household trash.
• If practical, continue to air out the room where the bulb was broken and leave the heating/air conditioning system shut off for several hours.

in the 4 years I have used CFLs - I have had to replace only 1, out of approximately 25 bulbs in my house.

RIRRC has extensive instructions for hazardous waste disposal, including fluorescent tubes and bulbs, at http://www.rirrc.org/resident/household-hazardous-waste/. The schedule for Eco-Depots can also be found at this website. The small, spiral CFLs can be dropped off at Home Depot or Lowes but the tubes need to be brought to an Eco-Depot or by appointment to RIRRC. How to get widespread compliance is an open question.

Many of you might be unaware but National grid is running an incredible rebate program on hot water heaters. It's for the new heat pump design which can save $300-$400 a year on your electric bill. They are offering a up to $1000 dollars off your new purchase via rebate. Details of the program can be found here:
https://www1.nationalgridus.com/HeatPumpWaterHeatersRI-RI-RES

Here is the applicable model on sale at Lowe's for $999. http://www.lowes.com/pd_386797-83-GEH50DEEDSR_0__?productId=3664968&Ntt=hybrid&Ns=p_product_price|1

You have to pay the taxes on it but the heater itself is basically free. You do however, have to have a licensed contractor put it in as part of the rebate but it's still a great deal.

Thank you for posting this great piece! Bridge Technical Solutions is hosting an e-Waste Recycling Drive on Saturday September 15 from 9am-12 noon at the Texas Roadhouse, Warwick parking lot! Come on down with old or unwanted electronics - this is a very easy way to properly recycle them and do a good thing for the environment! More details here: http://www.bridgetechnicalsolutions.com/e-waste. Thanks again for reminding all of us of the three R's!

Thanks@Krista. Do you folks collaborate with the writer of this article? Northeast Recycle Group does some e-waste work, here’s their website http://www.nerecyclegroup.com/. I hope it’s helpful.

I have previously availed myself of Eren's services to dispose of CRTs, hard drives and printers and can corroborate that nobody knows more about disposing of hazardous waste than Erren. He is also in tip-top physical condition and can you carry heavy equipment away without breaking a sweat.He is a Greenie and an environmentalist without being sanctimonious about it like many Greenies can be.

As a case of hypocrisy when I was in high school (2003-2007) many of us students would try and keep the lights off if we were in a room with exterior windows, only to have the teacher turn on the lights although there was more then enough natural light coming in through the windows to hold class, effectively wasting money. As money for capital projects become available, the school department should seriously look into the practicality of using more natural light (ie windows) in addition to replacing the older electromagnetic ballast Florescent bulbs with LED units. Other long-term projects could include replacing the desktops computer (towers can assume 200 watts) in the schools with more efficient units (ie fitpc offers a unit that consumes 24 watts peak) with a Networking Booting configuration