Update: Fluorescent Light Recycling on Lopez

At the end of 2025, the state's LightRecycle program — which enabled Lopez Solid Waste to collect spent fluorescent bulbs and tubes for free recycling — came to an end.

LightRecycle was the result of a Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law — one of the first in Washington state — which aims give manufacturers responsibility for end-of-life recycling/disposal costs. This particular program was designed to address the problem of mercury (which is highly toxic) in our waste streams.

Because fluorescent lights contain mercury, they should never be thrown in the trash. Mercury in our dumpsters is a safety hazard to staff, community members, and the environment we share. Because of this, San Juan County does accept spent fluorescent tubes and bulbs for free at county-wide Household Hazardous Waste Round-Ups. Each household can bring up to 25 gallons of qualifying hazardous wastes for free disposal.

This year's Round-Up on Lopez will take place on May 2. Businesses must pre-register by April 24.

LSWDD board members are keeping a close watch on next steps at the state level. In the meantime, to open up an additional recycling stream for fluorescents, the board also approved a new paid recycling program for light bulbs and tubes at the Lopez Dump. Here's our updated guidance, as we await news from the Department of Ecology:

SPENT FLUORESCENT TUBES & BULBS

• Do not throw these in the garbage — they are a hazardous waste.

• Bring them to a Hazardous Waste Round-Up for free recycling, OR

• Pay to recycle them at the Lopez Dump: $2 per tube / $1 per bulb.

You can also pay to recycle LED and halogen bulbs for the same prices. LEDs and halogen bulbs are not considered hazardous waste and are not accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Round-Ups.

Common household fluorescent bulbs, which are called compact fluorescent lights or CFLs, are often spiral-shaped like this:

In other good news: Washington state will also ban the sale of most mercury-containing lamps starting in 2029, having banned some mercury-containing lamps already in 2023. Learn more about the Mercury Education & Reduction Act!

Get the latest updates from the Department of Ecology here. Sign up for monthly email updates from Lopez Solid Waste here.