Electronics and Fluorescent Bulb Collections

Electronics and spent fluorescent bulbs from businesses are collected for a fee at The Recycling Zone on the second Tuesday of every month from 9 a.m.–2 p.m.

Fluorescent bulbs and electronics contain hazardous components. Therefore, it is illegal to throw them in the trash. Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and electronics contain toxic materials such as lead, PCBs, mercury and cadmium.

Current disposal and recycling costs (prices subject to change)

• Four foot and shorter straight fluorescent bulbs—$0.25 each
• Five foot and longer straight fluorescent bulbs—$0.45 each
• Compact fluorescent bulbs—$0.40 each
• Shatter-shielded fluorescent bulbs—$1.15 each
• U-shaped and circular fluorescent bulbs—$0.45 each
• HID and low-pressure sodium bulbs—$0.90 each
• Broken bulbs (packaged in sealed containers)—$1.00 each or $1.00 per pound
• Ballasts—$0.70 per pound
• Mercury devices (thermostats, switches, thermometers, relays, manometers, barometers, thermocouples, gauges, etc.)—$2.90 per pound
• Electronics—$0.35 per pound
• Cell phones—free

Transporting fluorescent bulbs

• Count each type of bulb and bring the count with you.
• Transport bulbs in original cartons or similar containers to prevent breakage. Broken bulbs are considerably more expensive to recycle.
• Don’t tape bulbs together.

Payment
Cash, check or Visa/MasterCard payment is due at the time of delivery. Make checks payable to Dakota County Property Taxation & Records. Businesses receive a tracking receipt upon payment.

Free disposal for Xcel customers
One visit per year, you can bring in your Xcel utility statement and receive free disposal of up to 10 fluorescent bulbs.

For more information, call the Dakota County Environmental Management Department at 952-891-7557.

Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program

Businesses are required to properly dispose of hazardous waste such as batteries, solvents, paint, used oil and fuels.  For businesses that produce small amounts of hazardous waste--less than 220 lbs. or about 22 gallons per month--Dakota County offers the Very Small Quantity Generator (VSQG) Program.  More than 90 percent of businesses qualify as VSQG.

Businesses must complete and submit a VSQG program application to Dakota County.  Once the completed application is received, they will set up an appointment for you to drop off your waste at The Recycling Zone.

For a program application, current disposal costs, information on accepted waste or preparation requirements:

• Contact Laura Villa at 952-891-7548 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
• Visit www.dakotacounty.us and search VSQG