Mercury is a very toxic element that tends to accumulate in body tissues. Once it reaches a certain level, it tends to adversely harm the nervous system particularly in children.
Light Bulbs Recycling
This is a relatively new program in the County and it is designed to serve households only. Businesses that generate fluorescent light bulbs are prohibited from placing these bulbs in the trash. This is a Florida law and businesses are to be adhered to that. Our facilities can only accept a few fluorescent light bulbs from households. Most households generate a handful of bulbs annually.
Fluorescent light bulbs, U shape light bulbs, and High Intensity Discharge light bulbs (HID) have a certain amount of mercury that will dissipate into the surrounding environment when they break. This is what happens in the case when these bulbs are placed in a landfill or incinerated; and is precisely what this program is guarding against.
Mercury is a very toxic element that tends to accumulate in body tissues. Once it reaches
a certain level, it tends to adversely harm the nervous system particularly in children.
In addition to mercury, fluorescent light bulbs contain aluminum, glass, and phosphorous, all of which can be recycled. Pasco County recycles 5,000 to 7,000 light bulbs annually. This translates to nearly 2,750 to 3,850 pounds of aluminum, glass, mercury and phosphorous, elements that can be re-used in the re-manufacturing of new products. Other benefits of this program are saving landfill space and protecting our environment.
For more information please contact the
Environmental & HazWaste Programs Coordinator,
(727) 847-8041.