THE CFL, compact fluorescent light bulb, or energy saving bulb, is perhaps the greatest confidence trick in history. In my case the total electricity bill is £400 per annum and of this only £6 goes to run lighting. But this lighting helps to heat my home,

THE CFL, compact fluorescent light bulb, or energy saving bulb, is perhaps the greatest confidence trick in history.In my case the total electricity bill is £400 per annum and of this only £6 goes to run lighting. But this lighting helps to heat my home, and less than £1 is wasted. There is no case whatsoever for switching to low energy bulbs.People who do buy low energy bulbs should be very careful how they dispose of them. Each bulb contains mercury a dangerous heavy metal that should be disposed of in a responsible manner, not in household waste.In the event of breakage the following procedure is recommended: Open the windows to dissipate the mercury vapour. Then, while wearing gloves, use sticky tape to pick up the small pieces and powdery residue from the bulb's interior. Place the tape and large pieces of bulb in a plastic bag. After vacuuming the area, place the vacuum bag inside double sealed plastic bags before discarding.MIKE ROGERS - Baker Street, Weston