April 17, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Dr. John Sigler, Senior Environmental Coordinator, at 239-6983

RECYCLING COMPACT FLUORESCENT LAMPS

CFLs Now Accepted on Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days

The City of Pocatello, in conjunction with the Bannock County Landfill, is announcing that Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) can now be recycled through the County’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program.

Bannock County agreed to add this item to their program after questions and concerns resulting from an article in the March 2007 edition of the “Mayor’s Newsletter” were brought to the City’s attention. “Citizens were concerned about throwing CFLs into the garbage,” said Dr. John Sigler, Senior Environmental Coordinator for the City of Pocatello. “Even though disposing of CFLs in the garbage is safe, we worked with Bannock County to provide another option to citizens. We appreciate the County’s willingness to add this item to their program,” he said.

For citizens who choose not to participate in the HHW program, officials assure citizens that CFLs can be disposed of in their regular garbage, and no additional handling, packaging or wrapping is necessary for disposal in the garbage. The County Landfill is capable of accepting CFLs as part of the regular waste stream, because it is a fully lined landfill.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days are the first Saturday during the months April through October at the Bannock County Landfill, 1500 North Fort Hall Mine Road. Bannock County citizens interested in more information on the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program are encouraged to visit the Bannock County website at http://www.co.bannock.id.us/hazmat1.htm.

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