Joint Sonoma-Napa-PG&E Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Program

Sonoma and Napa Counties have announced the launch of a new program, funded in part by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), that will support and expand residential recycling locations for spent fluorescent lamps and help build awareness of the need to recycle them.

Building on the success of the City of Napa’s Lighting Efficiency and Safe Stewardship (“LESS”) fluorescent lamp collection program, Sonoma and Napa County residents can now more conveniently drop off their used fluorescent lamps at local businesses participating in the program.  As part of the program, Napa County and the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency (SCWMA) will work with PG&E to help maximize resources dedicated to building awareness about the need to recycle fluorescent lamps and expanding recycling infrastructure across the counties.  This regional program promotes collaboration between Sonoma County, Napa County, the City of Napa and PG&E.

 “Currently, the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency through its ratepayers spends more than $100,000 each month managing household hazardous waste generated by residents, and that number is growing,” said Karina Chilcott, SCWMA Waste Management Specialist.  “This innovative public-private partnership allows us to better manage our costs and better serve the community through increased recycling collection opportunities.”

 Fluorescent lamps are today one of the most cost-effective methods available to decrease energy use and associated greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions.  At the end of their life, disposal of fluorescent lamps presents a challenge as they contain trace amounts of toxic mercury vapors that should not be returned to landfill.  It is important to properly dispose of fluorescent lamps at a participating drop-off location in order to mitigate the environmental impact of the mercury.

 “Spent fluorescent lamps require special handling, but are safe to use and are 99.9% recyclable when disposed of properly,” says Steven Lederer, Director of the Napa County Department of Environmental Management.  “The opportunity to get the message out to residents about recycling opportunities for their spent lamps is greatly enhanced by publicity efforts that span county borders as a result of this program.”