OLYMPIA — In the first six months of operation, more than 422,000 mercury-containing fluorescent lights were collected for recycling in Washington state, according to LightRecycle Washington, the not-for-profit organization that runs the recycling program on behalf of light manufacturers.
Individuals and businesses have been recycling their fluorescent lights for free since January at 220 LightRecycle collection sites throughout the state.
The amount of mercury, a toxic heavy metal, contained in a typical fluorescent tube or compact fluorescent light is very small — far below the amount found in a household thermometer.
However, when broken, fluorescent bulbs and tubes release mercury vapor into the atmosphere.
Residents and businesses are urged to keep fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lights out of the garbage and curbside recycling bins.
“Fluorescent lights are inexpensive, long-lasting and energy-efficient; however, the small amount of mercury they contain means that they need to be recycled safely when they wear out,” said Peter Thermos, program manager for LightRecycle Washington.
Seven LightRecycle locations are in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
The recycling centers accept compact fluorescent light bulbs, including the corkscrew and other designs, fluorescent tubes and high-intensity discharge lights.
Peninsula recycling centers
Recycling locations in Clallam and Jefferson counties are:
■ Around Again, 2604 W. 18th St., Port Angeles.
■ Swain’s General Store, 602 E. First St., Port Angeles.
■ Thurman Supply, 1807 E. Front St., Port Angeles.
■ Around Again, 22 Gilbert Road, Sequim.
■ Jefferson County Recycle Center, 301 County Landfill Road, Port Townsend.
■ Jefferson County Disposal Site, 295312 U.S. Highway 101, Quilcene.
■ Jefferson County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, 282 10th St., Building 19, Port Townsend.
The LightRecycle program was developed in response to a 2010 state law requiring fluorescent bulbs and other lights, such as high-intensity discharge lamps, that contain mercury to be recycled.
The mercury-containing lights are being replaced by new-design LED bulbs, which do not contain lead and offer similar electrical use reductions.
Both types of bulbs offer 60 percent or higher power savings when compared with traditional incandescent bulbs.
The Clallam County Public Utility District and Port Angeles Public Works have distributed the new LED bulbs to customers, but the fluorescent bulbs remain popular.
LightRecycle works with the state Department of Ecology, which administers the mercury lights law.
Since the program’s launch, lights have been collected in every Washington county at collection sites or community collection events.
More information on the recycling program is available at www.LightRecycle.org.
