County to Help Small Businesses Recycle Fluorescent Bulbs

Small businesses in Lemon Grove can recycle used fluorescent light bulbs with free "mail-back" kits from the county.

While fluorescent lights can help businesses cut electricity costs, disposing of them is tricky since it's illegal to put them into landfills, due to the small amounts of mercury they contain.

Business owners should act quickly to take advantage of the program, which was announced today. The county is making 2,200 postage-paid mail-back kits available for free. Businesses are allowed two kits apiece, while supplies last.

Each kit can hold up to 75 fluorescent bulbs or tubes. All the business has to do is mail it back, free of charge, and let the county take care of the proper recycling of the lights.

The program was made possible through the county Department of Environmental Health with funding from a federal stimulus grant.

For more information, click here or contact Karilyn Merlos at 858-495-5799, or karilyn.merlos@sdcounty.ca.gov.