Mar 19 - Washington's Mercury Lighting Bill Signed by Governor

Washington's Governor Gregoire signed HB 5543, the Mercury Lighting Product Stewardship bill into law, creating a producer-funded statewide recycling program for mercury-containing lights. Washington is now the second state in the nation, following Maine, to require this type of producer responsibility program.

Mercury lighting products including compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and linear fluorescent tubes save energy but contain toxic mercury, which can harm people and our environment. Spent bulbs and tubes poses a risk to families and solid waste workers when disposed of in the landfill.

The bill was co-sponsored by Senator Craig Pridemore and Representative Sam Hunt.

See CA's Lighting bill, AB 2176.