Vermont legislature passes EPR lamps bill!

On Thursday, the Vermont legislature passed a bill creating an extended producer responsibility recycling program for mercury-containing light bulbs and setting mercury content standards, modeled after the EU.     Pending the Governor’s approval, Vermont will become the third state to establish such a program, following a law first passed in Maine (supported by a report– also see fact sheet) and then a second in Washington, where a weblink explains it.  “This law will help continue an important lamp recycling program.” said Senator Virginai Lyons  (D-Chittenden), lead sponsor of the legislation.  “Protecting our waterways and other natural resources from mercury exposure is vitally important,” said Representative David Deen (D-Windham-5).   More information on the retail  lamp collection program is available  here.