Sustainable Resources
Recycling
Metro recycling information hotline (503)-234-3000
http://www.recologyoregonmaterialrecovery.com/index.htm
RECYCLE CFL’S AND FLUORESCENT TUBES
Nationwide efforts to increase energy conservation and reduce operating costs have resulted in widespread use of CFL’s (compact fluorescent lights) and fluorescent tube lighting. These types of bulbs use 65 to 75% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. These are great light bulbs, but MERCURY is an essential component of these bulbs so they MUST be recycled!!
So what’s wrong with mercury? Mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can affect the brain, kidneys and liver as well as cause developmental problems, neurological disorders, mental retardation in children as well as increased risk of heart attacks. A half-teaspoon of mercury can contaminate a lake or stream. Mercury bioaccumulates, beginning with ingestion by small organisms which are eaten by larger fish or wildlife which may be eventually eaten by humans.
We humans must do everything we can to keep mercury out of the environment. One part of this is disposing of CFL’s and fluorescent bulbs safely: do not put in the trash. Just about every component of a fluorescent bulb can be recycled. The glass is reused in the manufacture of other glass products or as cement aggregate. Aluminum end caps are recycled as metal scrap. Mercury recovered from the mercury phosphor powder used in bulbs is reused in thermometers, barometers and electronic devices.
THE GOOD NEWS: There are lots of places to recycle CFL’s as well as other fluorescent bulbs. You can drop off unbroken CFL’s at Home Depo and Ikea stores. You can also drop off unbroken CFL’s and fluorescent tubes at TOSSS or at Total Reclaim located at 6427 NE 59th Place, PDX 97218 (just off NE Columbia Blvd. ) Total Reclaim hours are 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. Total Reclaim also recycles computers, monitors, TV’s and other e-waste, all types of batteries and styrofoam. See http://www.totalreclaim.com/oregon.html for a complete list. There are fees associated with recycling these items. Their phone number is: 503-281-1899. You may also drop CFL’s and fluorescent tubes at our store and for a small fee we will see they get recycled.
Thanks for keeping mercury out of the environment!
