Take It Back Network expands to accommodate banned fluorescent bulbs and tubes

Fluorescent bulbs must be safely disposed

King County's Take It Back Network has added several new partners so consumers can safely dispose of used fluorescent lights that are now banned from the garbage and at transfer stations.

Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs help save electricity and are safe to use. However, these items contain a small amount of mercury, which is hazardous and must be disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. The Take It Back Network provides consumers convenient, safe ways to dispose of fluorescent bulbs and tubes. A small recycling fee is charged to cover recycling costs.

"Our goal is to help private organizations become collectors of these products. We are encouraged by the participation of our community partners to effectively manage and reduce mercury pollution at the local level," said Lauren Cole, supervisor with the King County Solid Waste Division and the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County.

"This regional program makes fluorescent bulb and tube recycling locations more convenient for consumers and prevents hazardous substances from entering our waste stream," Cole said. "The addition of these new partners further promotes responsible recycling practices."

King County residents and businesses dispose of more than three million fluorescent bulbs each year. If handled improperly, mercury can be released to environment, and once released it never goes away. Water bodies in King County and throughout Washington have been contaminated with mercury pollution, and there are current health advisories for both fish and shellfish consumption.

Sources

http://www.govlink.org/hazwaste/publications/MercuryFinal.pdf

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/oehas/fish/default.htm

Participating businesses are: Greenwood True Value Hardware, Happy Hauler, Kelsun Distributors, Maple Leaf Hardware, PC Salvage, Total Reclaim, Philip Services (two locations) and Seattle Lighting (six locations). For a complete list of participating retailers visit www.takeitbacknetwork.org.

For fluorescent bulbs and tubes

For residents – accepted at local retailers. Call the Household Hazards Line at 206-296-4692 or 1-888-Toxic Ed or visit www.takeitbacknetwork.org.

For businesses – also accepted at local retailers. Call the Business Waste Line at 206-296-3976 or visit www.takeitbacknetwork.org.

About the Take It Back Network

The Take it Back Network is a group of businesses and nonprofit organizations that offer convenient options for recycling certain wastes that should not be disposed in the trash.

Members must meet stringent guidelines for the recycling and handling of products and comply with all local, state and federal regulations and international trade laws.

The program is a partnership between the King County Solid Waste Division, Snohomish County Solid Waste and Seattle Public Utilities, with support from the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County. To learn more about the network or find member locations, visit www.takeitbacknetwork.org or contact Lauren Cole, King County Solid Waste Division, 206-296-4363.