Resolve, Directing the Department of Environmental Protection and the Public Utilities Commission To Develop a Program That Supports the Recycling of Fluorescent Lamps

Sec. 1. Recycling and education program development. Resolved: That, recognizing that fluorescent lamps contain mercury, and that they are classified as universal waste and therefore require special handling as they are recycled, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Public Utilities Commission shall develop a program to support and expand the recycling of fluorescent lamps in the State, with a focus on household recycling. The program must be consistent with current state and federal rules. The program must also provide for the education of consumers about the mercury in the lamps, the need to recycle fluorescent lamps and funding options for recycling the lamps. The costs of undertaking the education effort must be addressed in the development of the program; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That the Department of Environmental Protection and the Public Utilities Commission shall, no later than January 1, 2008, report to the Joint Standing Committee on Natural Resources the details of the recycling and education program developed under section 1 and any recommendations, including any proposed legislation, for further action to address the need to recycle fluorescent lamps, with a focus on household recycling. The committee has the authority to submit legislation relating to the report to the Second Regular Session of the 123rd Legislature.