Fluorescent bulbs now accepted in City recycling program

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DURANGO, Colo. – The City of Durango is now accepting fluorescent light bulbs for recycling. U-shaped, circle-shaped or tubular and less than 3.5 inches in diameter from commercial or residential uses will be accepted.  A nominal fee of $0.50 per bulb will charged for recycling.

Fluorescent bulbs have been lauded for their energy efficiency and longer lifespan in comparison with incandescent bulbs. However, each bulb contains a small amount of mercury, making their disposal an environmental issue. If thrown in with regular trash, broken bulbs could leach mercury into the groundwater, eventually contaminating the water supply.

The recycling process crushes the bulbs and separates the mercury from the glass, allowing the glass to be recycled while the mercury is treated as hazardous waste. Recycling fees may be paid at City Hall at 949 E. 2^nd Avenue, where a receipt will be issued. Receipts and bulbs can then be taken to the Durango Recycling Center at 710 Tech Center Drive for recycling.  Bulbs will be accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition, homeowners wishing to recycle their compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs  may do so free of charge at several locations around town. For a list of locations, or for more information about recycling fluorescent bulbs, visit  www.durangogov.org/recycling/lights.cfm or call the Department of Sustainable Services at 375.5004.

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