Washington Agency Offering Fluorescent Bulb Recycling

The state of Washington’s Department of Ecology will be holding a fluorescent bulb recycling program April 19^th at the Spokane, Wash., fairgrounds.

"People are surprised to learn that fluorescents contain mercury," said Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons. "They're a great way to conserve electricity, but they do contain mercury and should be recycled – not trashed."

An estimated one ton of mercury waste can be kept out of Washington's environment each year by recycling common products containing mercury, including fluorescents, thermometers and some types of thermostats.

Recycling mercury is part of a phase-out and reduction strategy that has been developed by the state departments of Health and Ecology.

Intact mercury-containing thermostats can be recycled at Gensco, 509-534-2043. Businesses can contract with Eco-Lights at 206-343-7443 to recycle their fluorescent lights.