Lands Council gives away light bulbs
The Lands Council in Spokane is kicking off a giveaway of 17,500 compact fluorescent light bulbs starting today in northeast Spokane.
The swirled tube bulbs will be available beginning tonight at 6:30 at Fire Station No. 15, 2120 E. Wellesley Ave., and at other locations throughout the city during the next several months, said Laurie Jackson of the Lands Council.
The bulbs use about a quarter of the energy of incandescent bulbs and have about 10 times the life. However, they require special disposal through a hazardous waste facility because they contain small amounts of mercury.
“We are doing it so we can get the public started on saving energy,” Jackson said.
The bulbs are being provided by Avista Utilities. The project also involves the Northwest Climate Change Center and Lewis and Clark High School’s Practice in Community Involvement Program.
Each family is eligible for one free bulb if they turn in a regular incandescent bulb. Coupons for savings on additional bulbs will be available.
The bulbs also will be given away Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Room 1-A at the Downtown Library and at a Sustainability Fair on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1832 W. Dean Ave.
Officials said the public should be aware that when the lamps are broken, their mercury is released in either a gaseous or solid state. The hazard includes the newer style of compact fluorescent lights, which resemble a small coiled tube.
Environmental officials said that fluorescent bulbs are highly efficient, and their use is recommended over incandescent lights and that less energy goes into creating or disposing of these bulbs.
Recycling centers are at the Spokane waste incinerator, 2900 S. Geiger Blvd., and at waste transfer stations in Spokane Valley, 3941 N. Sullivan Road, and on the North Side, 22123 N. Elk-Chattaroy Road. For more information, contact the recycling hotline at 625-6800.
All fluorescent bulbs in Washington should contain the Hg symbol for mercury, which is a reminder to handle carefully.