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Fluorescent Light Disposal Drop-off facilities within Pierce County that accept fluorescent lights include: • Philip Services Corp 1701 E. Alexander Ave, Tacoma, WA 98421 Drop-off every last Thursday, call 1-[PHONE REDACTED] for appointments • McLendon Hardware, Inc. 11307 Canyon Road E, Puyallup, WA 98373 [PHONE REDACTED] • McLendon Hardware, Inc. 1111 Fryar Ave, Sumner, WA 98390 [PHONE REDACTED]. All fluorescent lamps contain mercury. Mercury is a highly toxic metal which must be contained and properly managed. You might consider using low mercury or "green tip" lamps. Store bad lamps in their original cardboard boxes or similar containers labeled "Used Lamps" or "Universal Waste - Used Lamps" to prevent breakage. ---PAGE BREAK--- October 2006 1 Publication number 06-04-027 Environmentally Preferable Product Report Recycling Fluorescent Lamps Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program Fluorescent lamps are recommended, but they must be recycled. Fluorescent lights are highly energy efficient. Lighting accounts for 30% to 50% of energy used in most buildings. Using fluorescent lights greatly reduces energy consumption and saves money. Fluorescent lamps, or light bulbs, are recommended for all state facilities. The importance of recycling fluorescent lamps cannot be understated. All fluorescent lamps contain mercury. Mercury is a highly toxic metal which must be contained and properly managed. In 2004, Governor Locke issued Directive 04-01 instructing state agencies and institutions “to recycle all fluorescent lamps and bulbs at the end of their useful life.” Mercury and Human Health Mercury is an extremely dangerous neurotoxin, affecting the brain, spinal cord, kidneys, and liver, causing irreversible health damage. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that up to one in 10 women in the United States carry enough mercury in their blood to pose a threat of neurological damage to a developing fetus. Fish consumption is the most common route of mercury exposure. For more information on prevention of mercury- related risks, including fish-consumption recommendations, visit Washington’s Department of Health mercury Web page: www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/mercury. One gram of mercury is enough to poison a one- acre lake to the point where the fish would become unfit to eat. Managing Mercury in Lamps Although a single fluorescent lamp contains a relatively small amount of mercury, it is important that all lamp users recycle expired lamps to prevent cumulative effects of improper mercury disposal. According to the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, in the U.S., 2 to 4 tons of mercury are released annually from the disposal of approximately 620 million fluorescent lamps. When disposed of properly, mercury is captured through extraction techniques and reused in other manufacturing processes. Take care not to break the lamps when collecting for recycling. For more information on lamp recycling, see the Department of Ecology’s Web site at www.ecy.wa.gov/mercury/lamps. Bulbs Containing Mercury that Need to be Recycled Fluorescents-- Linear straight tubes, U- shaped, circular, and compact lamps Green or “low- mercury” lamps High Intensity Discharge Bulbs (HID)— often used for outdoor lighting Neon bulbs Ultraviolet bulbs— often used to disinfect drinking water. In Washington State, 437 - 575 pounds of mercury are released in the environment each year from improper disposal of fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent lamps, high intensity discharge lamps, and even “low- mercury” lamps that are not recycled must be treated as hazardous waste. ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 .For Further Information State Contracts State Contract 11601 provides services through Ecolights Northwest for the collection, transportation, and disposal of spent lighting, computers and electronic equipment. For information on this contract visit: Recycling firms In many Washington counties, there are firms that collect and recycle spent mercury-containing lamps. Some companies offer mail back kits. These Pacific Northwest vendors provide recycling services: EcoLights Northwest 9411 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 343-1247 www.ecolights.com Emerald Services 9010 E. Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 832-3000 www.emeraldnw.com Grainger 4930 3rd Ave Seattle, WA 98134 (206)767-4500 www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg Safety-Kleen 3210 C Street, Auburn, WA 98002 (253)939-2022 www.safety-kleen.com Ecology’s Hazardous Waste Service Directory provides websites for other companies that recycle mercury. www.ecy.wa.gov/apps/hwtr/hwsd/ The National Electrical Manufacturers Association offers detailed recycling information provided by lamp manufacturers at www.lamprecycle.org Household Hazardous Waste Sites Some county household-hazardous-waste sites allow businesses to drop off small quantities of spent mercury-containing lamps for recycling. For managing products with mercury at King County’s local hazardous waste sites visit: www.govlink.org/hazwaste/house/disposal/AnyProduct.cfm?entityID=922&catID=935 To learn more about Clark County’s Household Hazardous Waste program visit: www.clark.wa.gov/recycle/waste The City of Spokane has a recycling hotline and information on managing household hazardous waste. www.spokanecitysolidwaste.com/spokanecitysolidwaste/sub.aspx?id=4668 If you need this information in an alternate format, please call the Hazardous Waste and Toxics Reduction Program at [PHONE REDACTED]. Persons with hearing loss can call 711 for Washington Relay Service. Persons with a speech disability can call [PHONE REDACTED].