Yesterday we told you why fluorescent bulbs are better. But there's something else you should know. While fluorescent bulbs do produce more light -- using less energy (thus reducing your electric bill) -- and while they do last longer than regular bulbs, they still eventually burn out. When they do, you need to provide special care. Rather than just throwing them in the trash (as you do with old incandescent bulbs), look into a local hazardous waste disposal. Remember the mercury vapor suspended in argon gas we told you about yesterday? Even though a typical fluorescent bulb has only 17 milligrams of mercury in it, these trace amounts that wind up in landfills eventually get into our drinking water. It takes very little of this highly toxic element to produce a serious health risk. Using fluorescent bulbs is a good thing. But when they burn out, get rid of them safely. Most cities and counties have household hazardous waste disposal programs. And that's the On The House tip for today.