Free CFL Bulb Collection in Narragansett

The following is a news release:

Small businesses in Rhode Island are joining forces with Clean Water Action and the Department of Environmental Management in a grass-roots program to recycle mercury-containing lighting elements, such as compact fluorescent bulbs.

Hardware stores in 12 communities across the Ocean State—including Jerry’s Paint and Hardware in Narragansett—that sell the bulbs are offering residents a free collection service for burned out CFLs and linear tubes up to 4 feet in length. The stores will pack the waste bulbs in mailing containers for shipping to a recycling facility.

Clean Water Fund is paying all costs of shipping and recycling using funds from a court-ordered penalty against Southern Union for illegal storage of mercury in Pawtucket.

The program will help prevent one source of mercury, a powerful neurotoxin, from finding its way into our environment. The program makes it convenient for residents to return waste bulbs for recycling close to home.

“The project will demonstrate that when businesses and environmental advocates work together, efficient and economical solutions can be found to limit the health hazards of toxic materials in our communities,” said David Gerraughty, mercury program coordinator for CWA. “This new program offers Rhode Islanders a convenient way to safely recycle and dispose of used compact fluorescent bulbs and linear lamps,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Thanks to the cooperation of the hardware retailers, we are able to provide this valuable service for Rhode Island residents.”

Mercury 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.

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