Light Bulb Disposal

[GaryP]

In case you weren't aware of it, both San Antonio and Austin have probrams set up for disposal of household hazardous waste. This would include our light bulbs which contain a significant amount of mercury. Since household waste is exempt from haz waste disposal laws there is nothing illegal about throwing them in the trash but its not really a very "green" idea to do so.

However, a LFS is not exempt. That is considered commercial trash, not household.

I know that SA has a household haz waste site open on Thur-Fri. on Culebra, across from Northside stadium. Austin has one as well but I'm not sure where it is. I can find out if anyone is interested. I used to work for the company that is the haz waste contractor for both Austin and SA. There is no charge for this service. They will also accept any other left over additives that you might need to get rid of as well as other stuff from your garage or kitchen.

Just thought I would throw that out for all of you green-minded folks that might not be aware of these facts..

Gary

[prof]

Would that include old paint, paint thinner, old gas?

Oil is easy to find a disposal for but I have too many empty/near empty cans in my garage that I don't really want to through in the trash.

I would love to know where to take things in Austin.

Dave

[GaryP]

Dave,

Yes, that includes all of the above. I'll find the location for Austin and post it here.

[GaryP]

Here you go:

Austin - http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/hhw.htm

SA - http://www.sanantonio.gov/enviro/emd/HHW_DOC.htm

[Sherri]

Thanks Gary...I've got some bulbs and stuff in the garage myself.... :D And I had no idea where/when to take them....

Sherri

[prof]

Cool, thanks.

Noon - 7, tuesday and wednesday...
sucky hours...

[GaryP]

Call your city councilman!

[Tim Marvin]

Thanks Gary, this is great advice.

[GaryP]

EPA has recognized that mercury contamination from landfills as a major source of ground water contamination. Of course its a drop in the bucket compared to coal fired power plants. I still think we have some obligation to act responsibly when it comes to the disposal of hazardous by-products resulting from our hobby as well as our other activities.

Gary