These new energy efficient light bulbs could save you money, and last for years.

But the package warns, they're made using mercury.

"There are some concerns the bulb will break and you'll release the mercury, there's also some concern for the haulers picking up the trash," says Debra Smith of Broome Department of Public Works.

Smith says the amount of mercury in each light fits on the tip of a ball point pen.

"With four children in the home and there's mercury in them it would be a concern. You try to keep your kids exposed to anything more than they need to be," says Jenifer Barnes of Vestal.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation says you should follow guidelines for disposal.

When we spoke to the DEC, they say these bulbs have so little mercury in them that if you're changing one and it slips breaks.

Open a window and put on gloves.

You need to first toss out larger shards, even scoop them up if you need too.

You should vacuum twice to make sure you get all the glass and mercury

Also wipe down area's like countertops.

Throw everything used to clean the spill, even vaccum bag, into a double plastic bag and seal.

The same goes for a burnt out bulb.

Broome County Public Works says you should take the sealed bags to the landfill for hazardous waste disposal, instead of tossing them in the trash.

These are precautions to protect you and the environment.

The Broome County Landfill takes hazardous materials three times a month.

Its free for Broome residents.

And free for people in Tioga County from April to November.

For more information, call the Division of Solid Waste Management at 778-2250.

You can also go to the website, www.epa.gov, to review guidelines for disposal of any item containing mercury.