Program underway to recycle fluorescent light bulbs

PROVIDENCE – Small businesses are working with Clean Water Action and the state Department of Environmental Management to recycle mercury-containing lighting fixtures, such as compact fluorescent bulbs.
Hardware stores in 10 communities, including Barrington, Greenville, Narragansett, Newport, North Kingstown, Providence, Tiverton, Warwick, Woonsocket and Wyoming, are offering residents a free collection service for burned-out compact fluorescent bulbs and linear lamps up to 4 feet in length.
The stores will pack the waste bulbs in mailing containers for shipping to a recycling facility.
“The project will demonstrate that when businesses and environmental advocates work together, efficient and economic solutions can be found to limit the health hazards of toxic materials in our communities,” David Gerraughty, Clean Water Action’s mercury program coordinator, said.
Said DEM Director Janet Coit, “This new program offers Rhode Islanders a convenient way to safely recycle and dispose of used compact fluorescent bulbs and linear lamps.”
Mercury, a powerful neurotoxin, can cause damage to the human brain, kidneys and nervous system, and is of particular concern for pregnant women and children due to its effects on childhood development. For most people, the main source of exposure to mercury is through fish consumption where it is concentrated through the food chain.
Recycling the bulbs will help prevent mercury from entering the environment.
This program is a joint project of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund. To view the complete store list, visit www.cleanwateraction.org.
This program is a joint project of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund. Clean Water Fund is paying for the program through a fine levied against Southern Union for illegal storage of mercury in Pawtucket.
For more information, contact David Gerraughty at (401) 331-6972.

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