Electronics, CFL, Thermostat, Thermometer and Battery Recycling

Electronics Recycling Event

The electronics recycling event will be held one day only in the spring on a Saturday, from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the Public Works Garage, 950 Benson Street (date will be announced closer to the event). This is a free event for RFMU customers. You will need to bring identification showing a City of River Falls address (example: utility bill, student ID, tax statement, driver’s license.)

Examples of eligible items: lights including fluorescent tubes, batteries including car, microwaves, tree lights, cables and wires, electronics (TVs, computers, monitors, printers, dehumidifiers, window air conditioners) and cell phones.

CFL, Mercury Thermostat, Thermometer and Alkaline Battery Recycling

River Falls Municipal Utilities will recycle all CFL, mercury thermometer, and thermostats from our residential customers. Just bring them in to our front counter and we will take care of them in an environmentally responsible way.

We will also recycle your alkaline batteries - free of charge - all shapes and sizes. You can drop them off at the front counter at City Hall.

Why We Use CFLs

CFLs use less electricity than incandescent lights, meaning CFLs reduce the amount of mercury emitted into the environment by burning less fossil fuels. A 13-watt CFL (60-watt equivalent; a common light bulb type) will save 376 kilowatt-hours over its lifetime, thus avoiding approximately 4.3 milligrams of mercury in emissions. There is a significant net reduction in Mercury by using CFLs.

Encouraging Efficient Lighting

 River Falls Municipal Utilities encourages the use of efficient lighting to save you money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, keep rates down, and because it’s the right thing to do.

CFL Breaks

 In the event of a CFL breakage in your home, the goal is to reduce exposure to mercury vapor from a broken bulb, so here is the suggested plan:

  • Have people and pets leave the room
  • Air out the room for 5 to 10 minutes by opening a window or door to the outdoor environment
  • Shut off the central forced air heating / air conditioning (H&AC) system, if you have one
  • Thoroughly collect broken glass and visible powder with a dust broom, not a vacuum
  • Place cleanup materials in a sealable container
  • Store it outside until you can bring it to RFMU for recycling

Additional Information

 For additional information, please visit the ENERGY STAR website.