Washington is one step closer to saying “Farewell to Fluorescents”

Over the last week, two Senate committees voted to advance a Clean Lighting bill (HB 1185) that will phase out sales of mercury-containing lights in WA. Additionally, this bill will extend the existing mercury-containing lightbulb producer stewardship program so it doesn’t sunset, while rightly shifting financial responsibility of disposal from consumers onto lightbulb manufacturers.

In order to become a law, the next step for the bill will be to get voted out of the Senate Floor by this Friday, 3/1.

While fluorescent lighting used to be a popular option, these bulbs contain toxic mercury. 

We’ve known for a long time that mercury is a powerful neurotoxin that threatens our health and the environment, and improper disposal of mercury-containing products  continues to pollute the environment and impact workers in our solid waste systems. 

Fortunately, LED lights are now readily available in all shapes and sizes. Not only do LED lights not contain any toxic mercury, but they are more efficient and last 2-4 times longer than the average fluorescent light. 

The Clean Lighting Bill (HB 1185) phases out mercury containing lights and reduces the environmental impacts associated with lighting products. Environment Washington urges legislators to advance HB 1185 to protect our environment from the toxic effects of mercury.