Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman introduced legislation today that would require manufacturers of fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps (including CFLs) to create collection and recycling programs for household generators of these lamps. The bill, H.F. 3677, requires manufacturers to register with the state before setting up a program and will set an 80 percent recycling goal for fluorescent and high intensity lamps.

Read the bill language.

Last year, CAW sponsored AB 1109 (Huffman) was signed by Gov. Schwarzenegger requiring reductions in energy usage for lighting, reducing hazardous wastes in lighting and creating a task force to address better recycling opportunities. CAW is on the DTSC's AB 1109 Task Force that will meet tomorrow, March 4.

What You Can Do

• Find a place to recycle your fluorescent lighting.