Program Update: Upcoming changes to the administration of the mercury-containing lights recycling program in Washington
PCA Product Stewardship, Inc. (“PCA-USA”) will conclude its administration of the LightRecycle Washington program on December 31, 2025.
Since 2015, PCA-USA has operated LightRecycle Washington, providing residents with safe and convenient recycling options for mercury-containing lights.
Following changes to Washington’s recycling law (House Bill 1185, effective June 6, 2024), the program mandate was extended through 2035. Despite extensive collaboration with lighting industry leaders and national advocacy groups, a sustainable long-term funding model could not be achieved.
As a result, PCA-USA will withdraw from program administration at the end of 2025.
PCA-USA would like to thank all participants, collection sites, retailers, and consumers who have supported the LightRecycle Washington program since 2015. Your collective efforts have helped safely recycle millions of mercury-containing lights across Washington State.
FAQ for Consumers
Q: Can I still drop off my mercury-containing lights for recycling?
A: Yes. Consumers can continue to bring eligible mercury-containing lights to any registered LightRecycle Washington collection site through December 31, 2025.
Q: What happens after December 31, 2025?
A: After this date, the mercury-containing lights recycling program will no longer operate under PCA-USA. The Washington State Department of Ecology will provide information about future recycling options or new program administration once available.
Q: Who can I contact for further information?
A:
- Program inquiries: info@lightrecycle.org
- Future administration or regulatory questions: Washington State Department of Ecology — mercurylights@ecy.wa.gov
FAQ for Collection Sites
Q: Do we keep accepting program products?
A: Yes. Collection sites should continue accepting program products through December 31, 2025, in accordance with normal procedures and the Collection Site Guidelines. After January 1, 2026, please contact the Washington State Department of Ecology for guidance.
Q: When is our last pickup?
A: PCA-USA will contact sites in early January 2026 with the scheduled pickup date(s) and any packing reminders.
Q: What about items received after December 31, 2025?
A: Those items are not covered under the PCA-USA Collection Site Agreement and will be the responsibility of the collection site or any new program administrator, if appointed. Please plan accordingly and contact the Washington State Department of Ecology for additional guidance on handling mercury-containing lights after this date.
Q: Who can I contact for further information?
A:
- Program inquiries: info@lightrecycle.org
- Future administration or regulatory questions: Washington State Department of Ecology — mercurylights@ecy.wa.gov
FAQ for Participants
Q: Should we continue to collect and remit Environmental Handling Charges (EHCs)?
A: Yes. EHCs must continue to be collected and remitted for all covered product sales through December 31, 2025, using the EHC reporting portal. After January 1, 2026, please contact the Washington State Department of Ecology regarding future requirements.
Q: What are the final reporting deadlines?
A: The final EHC report and remittance will cover sales up to December 31, 2025, and should be submitted by January 31, 2026. PCA-USA will send reminders and final reporting instructions in December.
Q: What happens after the program ends?
A: PCA-USA will finalize all collection and processing and remittance activities by spring 2026 and submit the final program report to the Department of Ecology by June 2026. For any future product stewardship requirements, please contact Ecology.
Q: Who can I contact for further information?
A:
- Program inquiries: info@lightrecycle.org
- Future administration or regulatory questions: Washington State Department of Ecology — mercurylights@ecy.wa.gov