There is little doubt that compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use less energy and last longer than traditional bulbs, but they do come with a major drawback -- they contain small amounts of mercury and should not be thrown away in the trash.

Waste Management is launching a new program in hopes that people won't throw them in the garbage -- "Think Green From Home."

"They are more energy efficient, they last significantly longer than the old bulbs but they do come with a little asterisk. They do contain a small amount of mercury," said Steve Jacobs, Waste Management.

The program allows you to order a small box from Waste Management to store old bulbs. There is a special bag inside to protect against mercury exposure.

Jacobs says you just mail it in when the bag is full.

"This bag will hold anywhere from 10 to 15 bulbs depending on the size. Once it's full you seal it up, package it and all you have to do is stick it in the mail. The U.S. Postal Service will deliver it right to the facility."

There is also an option where you can also have them automatically re-issue a new kit when the old one is sent in. The cost is $14.95 per package.

Federal Law requires the phasing out of the regular light bulbs by the year 2012. That means every household will be using the compact fluorescent light bulbs in less than four years.

Home Depot also has a new program to recycle CFLs. You can just drop them off at any of their stores and they will recycle them for free.

Austin resident Melissa Young says she likes the idea.

"They definitely need a place to make it more convenient for people to drop them off," she said. "Otherwise they are just going to throw them away in the garbage and it will be in the landfill."

It's not illegal to dispose of CFL bulbs in the trash, but environmentalists are hoping consumers will go for the greener option.