Electronics, Fluorescents, Batteries and Other Mercury-containing Products

No Electronics in Garbage

Electronics contain lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants and other hazardous materials. If disposed improperly, these materials may be released into the environment, posing a heath hazard.

Reuse First : The best way to handle unwanted electronics is to sell or donate them for reuse. If they are outdated, obsolete or broken, they must be recycled.

E-Cycle Washington lists free responsible recycling locations for computers, monitors and TVs in Washington.

Other Options:

• Take it Back Network: electronics retailers, repair shops, non-profits, garbage companies and recyclers that accept electronic equipment for reuse or recycling. Most charge a fee.
• Recycling Collection Events

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Fluorescents (bulbs, tubes, etc.), Thermostats, Button Batteries, etc

Fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent "twirly" bulbs, thermostats, thermometers, mercury- added button batteries (watch, thermometer, and hearing aids) and mercury switches are not accepted for disposal.

These products contain mercury, a highly toxic substance particularly damaging to the developing fetus and young children. When released, mercury circulates between air, water and soil, impacting fish and humans who consume fish. Mercury-containing products need to be properly recycled. Options include:.

Business Fluorescent Lamps:

• Waste Managment Lamptracker convenient mail-back service
• Private sector businesses recycle fluorescent lamps from businesses.

 

Household Fluorescent Lamps:

• Waste Management Lamptracker convenient mail-back service
• Take it Back Network - options for recycling fluorescent bulbs and tubes. Most businesses charge a fee.
  
• Recycling Collection Events (in 4 suburban cities).

 

Batteries

• Waste Management Batterytracker convenient mail-back service

 

Thermostats

• Waste Management Mercury Tracker convenient mail-back service
• Private sector locations accept residential and commercial thermostats at no cost

 

Mercury-containing products in general: Household generated mercury-containing products can be disposed of at household hazardous waste collection facilities.

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