IWMA - Recycle Fluorescent Tubes and Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs)

Press Release - For Immediate Release
June 26, 2007, San Luis Obispo County
BY: Bill Worrell, IWMA

The San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) announces the implementation of the "SLO Take Back Program" for household batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Nearly every retailer throughout San Luis Obispo County who sells household batteries or fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) will now take those items back from the public for free. Consumers who want to shop green can now safely and easily recycle these products.

More than 300 local businesses are providing this free service to the public. Participants range from national chain stores such as Costco and Kmart to local stores such as Farris Lighting. Nearly every retailer who sells either batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) un San Luis Obispo County are participating, a few stores, such as Home Depot and target, are not. A complete list of businesses where you can safely recycle these items appears below.

Participating in the "SLO Take Back Program" is free, easy and there is no limit to the number of batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) you can drop off. Bring your household batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) to any of the participating retail stores during regular store hours. You can either put the items in a special collection container or give them to a store employee. This is an ongoing, free service provided to the public. Small businesses in San Luis Obispo County can also participate but must call (805) 481-9213 to make an appointment.

The household batteries should be fully discharged. Lithium batteries should have tape placed on the metal contacts. Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) should not be broken and should be carefully placed in the collection containers to prevent breakage.

Household batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) are considered hazardous because they contain mercury. It's illegal to throw away these items in your garbage or recycling can, or to dispose of them at a landfill. You can be confident that disposing of these items at the "SLO Take Back Program" locations will mean the items will be sent off to be properly managed which includes recovering the mercury.

The "SLO Take Back Program" is funded by a grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

S.L.O. Take Back Program Locations to Dispose of Fluorescent Tubes and Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Arroyo Grande:	Nipomo:
Brisco's True Value Hardware	Nipomo Ace Hardware
KMart	Nipomo Community Services District
Miner's Ace Hardware

	Oceano:
Atascadero:	Oceano Community Services District
Atascadero Waste Alternatives
Decou Lumber and Ace Hardware
Grisanti Hardware	Paso Robles:
KMart	Blake's True Value Home Center
McNamara Electric	Cuesta Equipment
Miner's Ace Hardware	Hayward Lumber
Office Depot	Heritage Ranch Community Services District
	Paso Robles Waste Disposal
	Paso Electric
California Valley:	Wal-Mart
California Valley Community Services District

	Pismo Beach:
Cambria:	Pismo Beach True Value Hardware & Nursery
Ace Hardware
Cambria Hardware
	San Luis Obispo:
	Anchor Lighting
Cayucos:	Costco
Cayucos Sanitary District	Cuesta Equipment
	Farris Lighting & Electric
	Glow Illuminating Designs
Grover Beach:	Hayward Lumber
Miner's Ace Hardware	Pacific Home & Garden
	San Luis Garbage Co.
	Staples
Los Osos:	Valleyview Lighting
Miner's Ace Hardware

	San Miguel:
Morro Bay:	San Miguel Community Services District
City of Morro Bay
Main Lighting - Stollmeyer's
Miner's Ace Hardware	Templeton:
	Hewitt Hardware
	Templeton Community Services District
	Weyrick Lumber