Pilot Project to Shed Light on Proper Disposal of CFLs
Six Ace Hardware Stores will take burned-out bulbs

 

We’re all encouraged to use energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights. CFLs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer. But when the mercury-infused bulbs burn out, consumers are in the dark on where to take them.

Not any more. Starting in May, six Ace Hardware stores in Utah will offer consumers free disposal of their spent fluorescent lights and mercury-containing thermostats as part of a pilot project funded by a nearly $50,000 grant from Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Region 8 Office in Denver.

EPA, the Product Stewardship Institute and the Women’s Voices for the Environment have partnered with a select number of Ace Hardware stores in Utah, Montana, and South Dakota to serve as a free collection point that encourages all fluorescent-light users to drop off spent tubes – free – at selected stores.

In Utah, the six participating Ace Hardware store locations are:

CFLs are such super-efficient lights that Congress ended its 2007 session by passing an energy bill encouraging their use. Utah Governor Jon Huntsman switched to CFLs in his mansion and strongly encouraged all state agencies to do the same.

The dark side to all of this, of course, is the disposal issue.

Fluorescent lights contain very small amounts of mercury – an average of 5 milligrams, roughly the equivalent to the amount of ink on the tip of a ballpoint pen. Mercury also is a neurotoxin, particularly harmful to developing fetuses and children.

“Recycling helps keep it out of the environment,” said Rusty Lundberg, branch manager with the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste. “All the collected lights and thermostats from this pilot project will be sent to out-of-state recyclers.”

The free disposal is limited to residents; businesses are not allowed to participate. Due to safety reasons, no broken lights will be accepted.