Jun 18 - Wal-Mart to Host CFL Recycling This Saturday
On Saturday, June 23, 350 Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs will be taking back your used fluorescent lighting, including compact fluorescents (CFLs) in five states, including California. In conjunction with Waste Management's LampTracker, Inc., lights will be collected outside of stores from 8 AM to 4 PM.
Last month, Wal-Mart also announced that it will soon sell CFLs with the least about of mercury possible in their stores. Because CFLs contain trace amounts of mercury, disposing of them properly is needed to prevent hazardous materials from ending up in our waste stream.
"We always strive to provide our customers with affordable, environmentally friendly products, like energy-saving CFLs," said Andy Ruben, Wal-Mart vice president of strategy and sustainability. "We want our customers to know that the bulbs sold in our stores are safe to use and that we have taken steps to significantly reduce the amount of mercury in our CFLs. Our recycling events are a great way for customers to dispose of their used bulbs and learn more about the environmental and cost-savings benefits of CFLs."
CAW sponsored AB 1109 (Huffman) will set energy efficiency standards in the state, as well as require manufacturers to create a system for collecting and recycling end-of-life bulbs that contain hazardous materials, such as lead and mercury. Manufacturers would have to submit a take-back program plan by July 1, 2009 to the State. AB 1109 is currently in the Senate awaiting Committee assignment.
What You Can Do
- Support AB 1109 by writing a letter of support.
- Remember to recycle all the time. Click here for information on where to safely dispose of all your unwanted electronics and other hard to recycle items.
- Get on board and help us by supporting this cause!