Normally, when an incandescent bulb goes, you throw the switch, there's a flash of light, and you know the bulb is dead. That's not the always the case with a compact fluorescent bulb.

"You may see some smoke. You may even smell a distinct odor and you could also see a discoloration on the base of the bulb," said John Drengenberg, Consumer Affairs Manager for Underwriters Laboratories. "And this is rather common if a bulb burns out in this fashion."

Drengenberg says there's no need to be concerned about this. It does not mean the bulbs are a shock or fire hazard. It's just different technology.

"So if you see this happening with a bulb that's reached it's normal end of life, they're actually doing exactly what they're supposed to do."

Remember, compact fluorescent bulbs don't go in the trash. They need to be properly recycled. And that's getting easier to do.

You can now bring old, unbroken CFL bulbs to any Home Depot store. Ikea recycles them. So do many McLendon Hardware Stores.

And Waste Management has launched a new web site, ThinkGreenFromHome.com, that allows consumers to order special shipping containers for mailing burned-out CFL bulbs in for recycling from any post office.

For More Information:

UL Sets the Record Straight on Safety and Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Retailers taking part in the Twist & Save Program

King County's Take It Back Network: Fluorescent Bulb & Tube Recyclers

Energy Star: Compact Fluorescent Bulbs