Living Green in San Luis Obispo: Recycling CFLs, Fluorescent Bulbs, and Household Batteries

By now, most of us have gotten used to using our blue barrels to recycle many kinds of household waste, from newspapers to aluminum cans to milk cartons. But what about some of the new rules concerning batteries, fluorescent bulbs, etc.?

The San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) is implementing the "SLO Take Back Program" for household batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Nearly every retailer throughout San Luis Obispo County that sells household batteries or fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) will now take those items back from the public for free. Consumers who want to shop green can now safely and easily recycle these products.

More than 300 local businesses are providing this free service to the public. Participants range from national chain stores such as Costco and Kmart to local stores such as Farris Lighting. Nearly every retailer who sells either batteries, fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in San Luis Obispo County is participating. A complete list of businesses where you can safely recycle these items appears when you click on the link above.

Participating in the "SLO Take Back Program" is free, easy, and there is no limit to the number of batteries, fluorescent tubes, and (CFLs) you can drop off. Bring them to any of the participating retail stores during regular store hours. You can either put the items in a special collection container or give them to a store employee. This is an ongoing, free service provided to the public. Small businesses in San Luis Obispo County can also participate but must call (800) 400-0811 to make an appointment.

Household batteries should be fully discharged. Lithium batteries should have tape placed on the metal contacts. Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) should not be broken and should be carefully placed in the collection containers to prevent breakage.

Household batteries, fluorescent tubes, and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) are considered hazardous because they contain mercury. It's illegal to throw away these items in your garbage or recycling can, or to dispose of them at a landfill. You can be confident that disposing of these items at the "SLO Take Back Program" locations will mean the items will be sent off to be properly manage--which includes recovering the mercury.