Why Use Fluorescent Lamps and Tubes?• energy-efficient alternative to incandescent lamps
• cost less to use
• reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• lasts up to10 times longer than standard incandescent light bulbs
Illegal to Put in Your Trash
The State of California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that fluorescent tubes and bulbs are hazardous waste and must be recycled.
“Universal Waste” Defined
There is a category of hazardous waste called “Universal Waste.” In addition to fluorescent bulbs and tubes, this category includes household batteries, cathode ray tubes, instruments that contain mercury, TVs, computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, cell and telephones, VCRs, DVDs and calculators. None can legally be placed in the trash.
Handling and Safety Tips
Store fluorescent tubes and bulbs no longer than one year and always label them with the date they became waste. Store and transport bulbs and tubes in their original boxes. Do not tape them together.
Where to Recycle
The following locations accept fluorescent lighting from households only (businesses, see below). If you have collected more than six lights, they must be taken to McCourtney Road Transfer Station for recycling.
McCourtney Road Transfer Station
14741 Wolf Mountain Road
Grass Valley, CA 95949
272-3012
Also accepts all other universal waste and electronic waste
North San Juan Transfer Station
10125 Flume Street
North San Juan, CA
Washington Transfer Station
15886 Gaston Road
Washington, CA
Waste Management Mini-Barn @ SPD
Parking lot at 735 Zion Street
Nevada City, CA
Waste Management Mini-Barn @ Raley’s
Parking lot at 762 Freeman Lane
Grass Valley, CA
Waste Management Recycling Works
12301 Loma Rica Drive
Grass Valley, CA
Business Recycling
Businesses must now manage mercury-containing lamps and tubes as universal wastes for recycling. The recent universal waste regulations eliminate the hazardous waste manifest requirements and increase allowable storage time to one year.
Proper fluorescent light recycling will keep businesses in compliance, protect employee’s health and safety and contributes to a healthier environment. Businesses can use prepaid mailing containers from lamp recyclers or contact a hauler for pickup. Following is a partial list:
Mailing Containers:
wmlamptracker.com
recyclekit.com
Lamprecycling.com
Haulers:
Chico Drain Oil Service 530.345.9043
Asbury Environmental 800.727.2879
Philip Services Corporation 707.748.3040
Light Emitting Diodes (LED) is another energy-efficient solution for most lighting needs. While they are more expensive up front, they last longer (50,000 hours) and use 85% less energy than incandescent and 50% less energy than fluorescent bulbs. Over the lifetime of one 12-watt LED bulb (equal to a 65 watt incandescent), you could save $265 dollars or more on your electric bill. Also, LEDs do not contain mercury and, therefore, are safer for the environment.
Questions? Contact the Nevada County Recycles Hotline at 265-1768 to learn more about using and recycling fluorescent lighting.
