The program has observed a steep decline in CFL sales between 2015 and 2016. While it was anticipated that LED technology would eventually replace CFLs it is occurring at a faster rate than originally anticipated. At the same time, collections of all mercury-containing lights, and therefore program expenses, continue to increase. As a result, the Environmental Handling Charge (EHC) must be increased to ensure the program is adequately funded and can continue to support recycling of mercury-containing lights throughout Washington State, as required by law.
The EHC will increase from $0.25 to $0.50 per mercury-containing light, effective July 1, 2017.
The new EHC of $0.50 per unit applies to all designated lighting types, including fluorescent tubes of all shapes and sizes, CFLs, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights sold or supplied on or after July 1, 2017.
The EHC is set by PCA Product Stewardship’s (PCA) board of directors, which includes leading industry representatives, and is not set by government, however does require their approval. As part of the EHC increase approval process, as outlined in RCW 70.275.050, PCA submitted a budget and related information to the Department of Ecology on the decrease in CFL sales. PCA has reviewed the documents on the proposed EHC increase in detail with the Department. Official approval of the new EHC was granted by the Department on April 3, 2017.
PCA will continue to closely monitor sales and collection rates of program products.
For additional program information and resources, visit the “Participant Resource Center” of the program website.
Thank you for your participation in LightRecycle Washington.