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Because fluorescent bulbs and tubes contain mercury, it is illegal to put spent bulbs and tubes in the garbage or trash in King County. This applies to households, contractors and businesses. When bulbs and tubes are broken or disposed in the wrong places, they can release mercury, posing a threat to human health and the environment. Residents in King County can recycle compact fluorescent bulbs (‘twisty’ bulbs) and straight tubes, in many places: Use the Take It Back Network. Most participating retailers charge a small fee to recycle the spent bulbs and tubes. Take bulbs and tubes to household hazardous waste facilities operated by the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County to recycle lamps for free. Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts There is no charge to drop off fluorescent bulbs and tubes at these facilities. If you have a cardboard box big enough, place the bulbes and tubes in it; or if not, wrap them in a plastic bag. The household hazardous waste facilities will also accept broken bulbs and tubes if they are in a plastic bag. However, it is preferred that these bulbs and tubes be brought to the facility whole.
See the following for locations, times of operation, and what is accepted.
NOTE: See the Business Waste pages for more information about commercial waste exchange and disposal.
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