Richmond residents are now able to drop off all types of lighting products at local collection sites for free.
LightRecycle - a non-profit program to recycle lighting products in B.C. - has expanded and now provides online tools to help residents locate the nearest collection site.
The site network accepts both burned out light bulbs or tubes and lighting fixtures, ranging from flashlights to table lamps and chandeliers.
Apart from collection sites for residential-use lighting, LightRecycle also provides a collection network for facilities that generate large volumes of lighting products.
"Designated collection sites for those generators - different from those for consumers with household qualities - accept up to one pallet of lights, without charge," said Jordan Best, senior program coordinator of LightRecycle.
"If those large volume generators have a pallet or more to recycle, they qualify for a free pick-up of their lamps."
The program will benefit Richmond community in the long run, said Best.
"Recycling those materials also limits the energy use and generates less pollution."
And, as some lighting products contain hazardous chemical elements such as mercury, LightRecycle guarantees they are kept out of landfills.
Best said LightRecycle is planning to collaborate with the City of Richmond to raise further awareness of recycling lighting products.
For more information, including all local collection sites, visit www.lightrecycle.ca.
