Waste 2 Resources > Mercury-Containing Lights

Mercury-Containing Lights Product Stewardship Program

Mercury-Containing Light Product Stewardship Program has a new operator:

• Ecology has contracted EcoLights NW, LLC. to be the state-contracted stewardship organization for the mercury-containing lights product stewardship program.
• The Program Manager is Mike O'Donnell, contact him at 206-498-5005 or email mikeo@ecolights.org.

Other Mercury-Containing Light Stewardship Program Information and Links

• Review the Ecology-approved Mercury-Containing Light Product Stewardship Program Standard Plan. The plan identifies the program collectors, transporters, and recycler.
• There are nearly 200 collection sites across the state interested in collecting mercury-containing lights under this Program.
• Program collection of mercury-containing lights will occur after mercury-containing light producers provide program funds. These program funds will be used to oversee the collection and recycling of lights, and conduct education and outreach.
• The program website is Light Cycle Washington
• See the List of Producers

Mercury Containing Light Links to Law and Rule Information

• Review the Mercury Lights Law - Chapter 70.275 RCW.
• Review the Mercury Lights Rule - Chapter 173-910 WAC.
• The National Electrical Manufacturers Association filed a lawsuit (NEMAvEcology) challenging the Ecology rule that went into effect on December 17, 2012.

Join the Mercury Containing Lights Listserv

Join our listserv to receive periodic e-mail updates about the Mercury-Containing Lights product stewardship program. You must sign up to receive notifications.

Mercury Containing Lights Information

In 2010 the Washington Legislature passed the law for Mercury-Containing Lights - proper disposal (Chapter 70.275 RCW). This law establishes a producer-financed product stewardship program for the collection, transportation and recycling of mercury-containing lights.
Mercury-containing lights were chosen for product stewardship for the following reasons:

• Mercury is a toxic metal that accumulates in our bodies and the environment.
• When mercury-containing lights are broken, mercury is released into the environment.
• Use of mercury-containing lights is increasing, because they are energy efficient.
• A safe way to collect and recycle these lights is needed.

This focus sheet provides additional detail about the program.

Mercury-Containing Lights tells what types of lights contain mercury and why recycling is important.

Mercury-Containing Lights and Lights as Universal Waste is a page with information for businesses on how to handle mercury-containing lights.

Important Dates

• January 1, 2013 - Mercury-containing lights product stewardship program fully implemented.
• January 1, 2013 - No producer may distribute, sell, or offer for sale mercury-containing lights for residential use in Washington unless they are participating in a product stewardship program.
• January 1, 2013 - All users must recycle mercury-containing lights.
• January 1, 2020 - Achieve statewide goal of recycling all end-of-life mercury-containing lights.

Where can I recycle mercury-containing lights?

Visit www.earth911.org to find mercury-containing light recycling services in your area.

Visit 1-800-RECYCLE, click on "Miscellaneous" under the Recyclable Material category to find "Fluorescent Lights."