The Allegheny County Health Department has started a program to collect and recycle used compact fluorescent light bulbs.

The light bulbs, known as CFLs, may be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the health department's Clack Health Center, Building 5, Public Drinking Water Management Program, 3901 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville. The CFLs should be transported and delivered in a way that prevents breakage.

The bulbs, which contain a small amount of mercury, have become increasingly popular in recent years because they cut electricity costs by up to 75 percent and are longer lasting than traditional incandescent light bulbs, saving consumers approximately $60 over the life of the bulb.