Options & restrictions

Fluorescent Light Tubes

Description:

Fluorescent light tubes that contain mercury or lead or that have other hazardous properties.

Options & Restrictions:

King County does not accept fluorescent bulbs and tubes (includes "green tipped" tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs) in the garbage or for disposal at its transfer stations. Please recycle them through the LightRecycle Washington program.

LightRecycle Washington, a manufacturer operated product stewardship program, allows individuals and businesses to recycle up to 10 mercury-containing lights per day at sites throughout the state – find a location near you. King County's Bow Lake, Enumclaw, Factoria, Shoreline, and Vashon transfer stations accept up to 10 mercury-containing bulbs and tubes per person per day for recycling at no charge as part of LightRecycle.

Many light bulbs and tubes can contain levels of mercury and lead that make them dangerous waste when disposed. US EPA and Washington Department of Ecology have placed these materials in a special category of dangerous waste known as universal waste. Universal wastes are specifically identified dangerous wastes that are generated by wide variety of businesses and institutions and by households. Universal waste rules allow for a lower level of requirements, such as record keeping, when these wastes are recycled rather than disposed. The types of lights that may be classified as universal waste include, but are not limited to, fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent, mercury vapor, metal halide, high pressure sodium and neon. Other universal wastes in the State of Washington are mercury-containing thermostats and household batteries. Residents are encouraged to recycle these lights through a household hazardous waste facility. Businesses must meet state and local requirements for the proper handling of universal waste. View King County's complete waste acceptance rule.