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Light Recycling

The LightRecycle Washington program began on January 1, 2015 for the collection and recycling of mercury-containing lights sold at retail.

A network of collection sites has been established throughout Washington State that includes retailers, municipal waste facilities, collection events, and residential curbside collection. Washington State residents and businesses can recycle unlimited screw-base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), up to 15 pin-based or linear fluorescent lamps, and up to 2 high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps per day for free, by dropping them off at authorized Collection Sites throughout the State.

Recycling mercury-containing lights protects the environment and human health by reducing the release of mercury, a potent neurotoxin.

How to Dispose of Light Bulbs in Washington

Wondering how to dispose of light bulbs in Washington? LightRecycle offers free recycling for mercury-containing lights, including fluorescent tubes, CFLs, and HIDs. Recycling helps keep hazardous materials out of landfills and supports a cleaner environment.

Environmental Handling Charge for Lights in Washington

To support the safe recycling of mercury-containing lights, LightRecycle Washington is funded through an Environmental Handling Charge (EHC). This charge is applied to the purchase of every qualifying light sold at retail in Washington State.

What Is the Environmental Handling Charge?

The EHC is a recycling fee that helps cover the cost of:

  • Collecting and transporting used lights
  • Environmentally responsible recycling
  • Program administration and public education

This charge ensures that mercury-containing lights are safely managed and kept out of landfills.

How Much Is the EHC?

  • The EHC is $0.95 per light.
  • This fee applies to each individual light, even when sold in multi-packs.
    • Example: A 2-pack of bulbs will include a $1.90 EHC.
  • The EHC is subject to retail sales tax, as it is part of the product’s purchase price.

How Is the EHC Displayed at Retail?

Retailers and manufacturers may choose to:

  • Include the EHC in the product price, or
  • Display it as a separate line item at the time of sale.

Note: The EHC is not a government tax and is not remitted to the government. It is collected solely to fund the LightRecycle Washington program.

Why It Matters

The Environmental Handling Charge makes it possible for Washington residents to:

  • Recycle mercury-containing lights for free
  • Protect the environment from hazardous waste
  • Support a circular economy for lighting products

Find Out What’s Accepted

Not sure which lights are covered by the EHC?

View the list of accepted products to see what you can recycle through LightRecycle Washington.