LightRecycle WA steps in to help safely dispose CFL Bulbs
As of January 1, 2015, Washington State residents will be able to recycle mercury-containing lights at no charge through the LightRecycle Washington Program. Click here to find a free collection site near your.
For more information on CFL bulbs and other wastes you’d like to get rid of or to find a green alternative, visit www.spokanewastedirectory.org.
Aqua Duck’s Guide to Recycling CFL Bulbs gives you the skinny on why recycling CFL Bulbs is so important to protecting the aquifer and river in our area.
Why can’t CFL bulbs go in the garbage?
CFL bulbs last longer and are more energy efficient that incandescent bulbs. However because they contain mercury they must be recycled properly. One broken fluorescent bulb can contaminate 7,000 gallons of water. This is of particular concern here in the Inland Northwest, where the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer provides over 500,000 people with clean, affordable drinking water every day. Because our drinking water is literally below our feet, it’s up to all of us to protect it.
How can we keep our drinking water safe?
CFLs only harm the environment when they are improperly disposed. Don’t toss CFLs in with your normal garbage, where they will often break and release mercury.
Instead recycle your CFLs. Don’t worry, it’s easy and free! Vendors, including Lowes and Home Depot, can be found throughout Spokane County. Simply accumulate your burned out CFL bulbs in a safe place; then drop them off at the nearest vendor when it’s convenient. Not only does this keep mercury out of the environment, it also allows the bulb’s glass, metals and other materials to be reused. Virtually all components of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled.
To find your nearest recycling vendor, Visit www.spokanewastedirectory.org.
What’s better for the environment, CFLs or incandescent bulbs?
Due to their energy efficiency, CFLs actually reduce mercury emissions in the United States. This is because CFLs cut down the amount of energy drawn from coal burning power plants, which are the nation’s leading cause of high mercury levels. So use CFLs, just make sure to recycle!
What do I do if I break a CFL?
The Department of Ecology provides the following guidelines:
Avoid breathing vapors or touching broken materials. Do not vacuum or sweep.
1. Open windows to vent vapors for at least 15 minutes. Leave the area during this time.
2. Use stiff paper or cardboard to pick up large pieces.
3. Use duct tape to pick up small pieces and powder.
4. Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or wet wipe.
5. Place all materials in a sealed container, preferably made of glass with a good lid.
6. Immediately remove the container from the home.
7. Wash your hands.
8. Dispose of at your local hazardous waste facility – not in your trash. (Find hazardous waste facilities at www.spokanewastedirectory.org.)
What about other types of lights?
Like CFLs, fluorescent lamps and tubes, high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, neon lamps and ultraviolet lights, contain mercury and need be to disposed properly. Find vendors for all this and more at www.spokanewastedirectory.org.
Note: This article was partially funded through a grant from Washington Department of Ecology. While these materials were reviewed for grant consistency, this does not necessarily constitute endorsement by the Department.