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All fluorescent lamps and tubes are considered hazardous waste in California
when they are discarded because they contain
mercury,
a highly toxic heavy metal.
Mercury
vapors from
broken bulbs
can be absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream, released to the
environment, and washed into waterways. Mercury-containing bulbs include:
compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs, (including “low-mercury” lamps) and
fluorescent tubes; as well as High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamps,
including metal halide lamps (sometimes used as floodlights for large indoor
and outdoor areas), sodium lamps (sometimes used for security lighting and
outdoor floodlights), and mercury vapor lamps (sometimes used for street
lighting). All fluorescent lamps and tubes must be recycled, or taken to a
household hazardous waste facility, a universal waste handler, or an
authorized recycling facility for proper disposal.
There is NO COST for San
Joaquin County residents to drop off these materials at the HHW for proper
disposal.
PLEASE DO NOT PLACE THESE ITEMS IN THE GARBAGE!
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Residents
Residents of San Joaquin County can utilize the following resources to
properly dispose of fluorescent
lamps and bulbs:
HHW Facility
Fluorescent bulbs are accepted for free from residents of San Joaquin County
at the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility located near the Stockton
Airport. Click the HHW link below for more information.
County-Sponsored Events
San Joaquin County Sponsored Events are available for residents to recycle
fluorescent lamps and bulbs. Click the County-Sponsored Events link below for more information.
Retailers and Other Locations
There are many retailers that are accepting compact fluorescent
lamps and bulbs for recycling. Because this list is so varied and is constantly
changing, please go to
www.earth911.com and look up these locations by zip code to find the
participating retailer near you. Remember, it's always a good idea to
call first to get the details on quantities, packaging etc.
Businesses
Businesses can utilize the following resources to properly
dispose of fluorescent
lamps and bulbs:
Small businesses can dispose of fluorescent bulbs at the San Joaquin County
Household Hazardous Waste Facility (HHW) for a small fee. Conditions
apply, for details click the Business HHW link or CESQG Brochure link below. |
