Free collection sites around state keep toxic mercury out of landfills
OLYMPIA – Washington residents can now recycle fluorescent lights and other mercury-containing lights for free at 130 sites throughout the state, with more being added in the months ahead.
LightRecycle Washington collection sites will take traditional fluorescent tubes (including straight, curved and circular tubes), the twisty compact fluorescent lights and high intensity discharge lights, which are commonly used in outdoor lighting fixtures. The program does not accept lighting fixtures or ballasts.
Both individuals and businesses can drop off lights for recycling, although there is a limit of 10 lights per day. Visit www.lightrecycle.org to find a collection site near you.
In 2014, the Washington Legislature authorized an environmental handling charge, now set at 25 cents, on each retail sale of mercury-containing lights to fund the recycling program. Since 2010, it has been illegal in Washington to dispose of mercury-containing lights in the regular garbage.
“Fluorescent lights are long-lasting and energy efficient, but they contain small amounts of toxic mercury, which needs to be recycled or properly disposed of,” said Laurie Davies, manager of Ecology’s Waste 2 Resources program. “With the launch of LightRecycle Washington, we’re making it simpler to comply with the law and protect the environment.”
EcoLights Northwest is the recycling company that will be processing the lights collected by LightRecycle Washington. After mercury-containing lights are collected, EcoLights breaks them down and separates the components. Recyclable components, including mercury, are sent to other companies for further refining.
“We started recycling lights back in 1996,” said Craig Lorch, co-owner of EcoLights, “but until now, many residents and small businesses have had a difficult time finding a convenient and inexpensive way to recycle fluorescent lights. This program will make it easy to recycle mercury-containing lights anywhere in Washington state.”
LightRecycle Washington is run by the nonprofit PCA Product Stewardship, working with retailers, lighting manufacturers, municipal waste facilities and Ecology.
LightRecycle Washington is run by the nonprofit PCA Product Stewardship, working with retailers, lighting manufacturers, municipal waste facilities and Ecology.