Ace Hardwares accepting fluorescent light bulbs

Staff Reports
April 22, 2008

Comments Print Email

DENVER -- Colorado residents can now recycle their used compact fluorescent light bulbs -- CFLs -- and thermostats that contain mercury at any Ace Hardware store in the state.

There are several locations in Weld County where the light bulbs may be taken. In Greeley, go to Offen Ace Hardware, 1722 9th St., or either of the Ace Hardwares of Greeley, 2626 11th Ave. and 3540 10th St.

Elsewhere in Weld: Poulsen Ace Hardware, 151 S. Oak Ave., Eaton; Ace Hardware of Firestone, 8258 Weld County Road 13; Ace Hardware of Fort Lupton, 201 S. Rollie Ave.; Johnstown Ace Hardware, 9 S. Parish Ave.; and Windsor Ace Hardware, 1245 Main St.

Energy Star qualified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than typical incandescent light bulbs. However, CFLs contain small amounts of mercury and must be recycled appropriately. ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats help save energy when used properly and are mercury free. Manual thermostats contain mercury and must be recycled.

Bins are in place behind the counters of the 104 Colorado Ace Hardware stores so residents can recycle their used CFLs and thermostats. To prevent breakage, store employees will take bulbs and thermostats from residents and place them into the bins. When the bins are full, a store employee will ship them to be recycled. The entire bin will be recycled -- contents and container included -- ensuring no mercury will escape.