The Henderson County Solid Waste and Environmental Programs Divisions are beginning a new, free recycling program for residents of the county that will help reduce potentially hazardous materials from staying in the home.
Residents are now able to bring mercury-containing materials to the Henderson County Convenience Center for recycling. The program will only be available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents should not bring mercury products to the Center on Saturdays. The public recycling center is located at 265 Convenience Center Drive, Hendersonville NC 28791.
What products can be recycled?
1. Lamps containing mercury (LCMs), such as CFLs, fluorescent tubes (4 – 8 ft.), circular and U-shape fluorescents, HID and LPS bulbs, as well as variety of other uncommon bulbs.
2. Mercury containing devices (MCDs), such as wall-mounted thermostats, barometers, thermometers, lamp ballasts and capacitors, and other non-lamp mercury-containing products.
A complete list of products can be found online at www.hcrecycles.org under the “Mercury Products Recycling” tab.
What information is required with my products?
A data collection form must accompany the products being recycled. This form can be found online at www.hcrecycles.org and filled out at home before coming to the Convenience Center. Blank forms are also available at the Center. Your data form must be signed at the Convenience Center after your products have been carefully unloaded.
Can businesses use this program at the Convenience Center?
Recycling programs at the Convenience Center are reserved for Henderson County residents only. Businesses and commercial customers can learn more about recycling various products by contacting Henderson County Environmental Programs at 828-694-6524.
Are there special ways to package and transport materials to the Center?
Yes. Fluorescent tubes should never be taped together, even during transport. Smaller items, like CFLs or other bulbs, that can fit inside containers with lids should be carefully wrapped individually with newspaper or other packaging materials. If the original product containers are available, use those for packaging and transport.
Always be sure to transport the items in the trunk or back of your vehicle, away from children or pets if possible, to help decrease the chance contamination due to accidental breakage.
What other important information should I know before participating?
Henderson County Solid Waste asks that no mercury containing products be left outside of the storage facility at the Convenience Center at any time. Together, we can help minimize environmental pollution or potential harm to humans and wildlife.
In order to recycle your mercury products, you should find a Convenience Center staff attendant to help you each and every time. Safety is a high priority for Solid Waste staff!
For more information on the details of this new recycling program, to fill out the data collection form online, or to learn about safety information, please visit www.hcrecycles.org. Call Environmental Programs at 828-694- 6524 or Solid Waste at 828-697-4505 for details on how your business can recycle mercury products.