Burnt out light bulbs and those outdated lighting fixtures have some place to go now besides the dump.
Beginning Oct. 1, lighting products can now be dropped off at numerous collection sites around the province, including the Tri-Cities.
The expanded LightRecycle program is being hailed as a bright environmental move by B.C. Environment Minister Terry Lake and the Retail Council of Canada. But the new program means consumers, including industrial consumers, will be paying a fee for new bulbs and fixtures to cover the costs of the program that was announced last week.
"This is just another example of British Columbia leading the country with our industry-led extended producer responsibility programs. LightRecycle's expansion will help ensure recyclable materials from lighting products, like metal, plastic and glass are re-used to make new products - good news for the environment and for British Columbians," Lake stated in a press release.
As of Oct. 1, fees, ranging from 10 cents to $2.50 depending on the item, apply to the sale or supply of all lights, ballasts and fixtures including retail, industrial, commercial and institutional sales. Manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers may include the recycling fee in the product price or display it as a separate charge to purchasers.
"There is a growing recognition of the need and importance of product stewardship programs like Light recycle," said Shafiq Jamal, Western Canada vice-president of the Retail Council of Canada. "We will continue to work with our members, government and product care Association to Ensure this program is a success."
There are four collection sites for burnt out consumer light bulbs/tubes in Coquitlam, including Canadian Tire, London Drugs and two RONA locations. The full list and their addresses are available at www.lightrecycle.ca
Meanwhile, lighting fixtures can be taken to the Coquitlam Return-It Depot (2554 Barnet Hwy.) and Lougheed Return-It Depot (1045A Lougheed Hwy.) while Happy Stan's Recycling Service at 1603 Langan Ave, Port Coquitlam will accept lights, lamps, fixtures and ballasts from large volume commercial, retail and industrial generators.
Also, large volume generators with more than a pallet to dispose of can get their lighting products picked up for free through LightRecycle.
For more information, visit www.lightrecycle.ca
