Santee Cooper is offering free recycling of fluorescent lamps for businesses and residents. It's teaming up with Waste Management's LampTracker and Hagemeyer North America for the program.
The program builds on the company's effort to replace fluorescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient CFLs.
"The lighting campaign is part of our continued efforts to help our customers cut down on their energy consumption and save money," said Juan Holmes, manager of conservation and energy efficiency of Santee Cooper in a press release. "We are already offering rebates to encourage more energy-efficient lighting, and now we are offering recycling of the less efficient lamps and residential CFL bulbs."
A tractor-trailer marked with a large "Recycle Here" banner will be parked at the Hagemeyer Cambar facility, at 1525 U.S. Highway 501 in Myrtle Beach. If you bring a lamp, it will be sealed in a special box to protect the environment from mercury leaks. You can drop off lamps on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"We are very proud to support this important recycling effort and provide a convenient way for area businesses, trade allies and residents to recycle their old lamps and to educate them about how to do so in the future," said Rick Cochrane, senior business director for Waste Management's LampTracker. "Energy-efficient fluorescent lamps can contribute to a cleaner environment, but they must be handled properly. Helping our customers rethink the way they manage waste, recovering valuable materials and resources while serving our communities are top priorities for Waste Management," he added.
The free recycling will end when two trailers are full.
For more information about how to participate in this recycling effort call 843-626-3578. For information on fluorescent/CFL recycling programs in your area, call the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling at 1-800-768-7348. Find additional information on recycling at www.scdhec.gov or www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling.
To learn more about energy saving tips and information on energy-efficient initiatives and rebates, visit www.reducetheuse.com.
