Free Fluorescent Recycling Expected to Resume June 1

Great news, Lopez!

The Washington State Department of Ecology has announced that starting June 1, 2026, the Mercury Lamp Recyclers Association (MLRA) is expected to take over administration of the state-wide Light Recycle program.

Pending conditional approval of MLRA's stewardship plan, Lopez Solid Waste will once again be able to accept spent fluorescent bulbs for free recycling starting June 1. This includes compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and tubes:

As a reminder, the LSWDD Managing Board recently opened a new paid recycling avenue for spent fluorescent tubes and bulbs at the Lopez Dump — $2 per tube and $1 per bulb — in lieu of the recently paused state program. But as long as the state program is active, we'll be able to accept these at no charge.

Remember — spent fluorescent bulbs contain hazardous mercury waste and should never be thrown in the garbage.

If you have any questions about this recycling program, please reach out to the Lopez Solid Waste team by emailing info@lopezsolidwaste.org.