The program continues to observe a steep decline in CFL sales, as well as in sales of fluorescent tubes and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights. While PCA Product Stewardship Inc. (PCA), the operator of the program, anticipated and planned for the emergence of LED technology as a replacement for mercury-containing lights, it has occurred at a faster rate than projected. At the same time, collections of all mercury-containing lights, and therefore program expenses, continue to rise. As a result, the PCA Board of Directors has determined that the Environmental Handling Charge (EHC) must increase again to ensure the program is adequately funded to provide lamp-recycling services throughout Washington State on a continuing basis, as required by law.
The EHC will increase from $0.50 to $0.95 per mercury-containing light, effective February 1, 2018.
The new EHC of $0.95 per unit applies to all designated lighting types, including CFLs, fluorescent tubes of all shapes and sizes, and HID lights sold or supplied at retail on or after February 1, 2018.
The EHC is set by the PCA board of directors, which includes industry representatives, and is not set by government. As per the EHC approval process outlined in RCW 70.275.050, PCA submitted a budget and related information to the Department of Ecology concerning the rapid decrease in mercury-containing light sales. After reviewing these materials at length with PCA staff and industry representatives, Ecology approved the EHC increase on November 29, 2017.
In 2018, PCA will continue to monitor mercury-containing light sales and collection rates while considering whether additional measures are needed to ensure the program’s ongoing viability.
For additional program information and resources, visit the “Participant Resource Centre” of the program website.
Thank you for your participation in LightRecycle Washington.