Nonprofit and corporate effort to put safety info on lightbulbs with mercury

A recent Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ruling requiring all compact fluorescent light bulb manufacturers to provide information on proper handling and cleanup of broken bulbs grew out of a shareholder resolution sponsored by the nonprofit As You Sow.

The FTC rule, which takes effect in mid-2011, mandates new packaging to help consumers choose the proper bulb as less energy-efficient, incandescent bulbs are phased out. The new rule also requires indications on bulbs as to whether they contain mercury -- as all do -- and to include a link to a website with instructions for cleanup, recycling and disposal.