Home Resource in Missoula expands hazardous waste disposal services for CFLs and PCB ballasts

The City of Missoula hosted its third session of the Home Resource Zero Waste Lunch & Learn Series on June 9, 2025, focusing on household chemical disposal. The meeting aimed to educate residents on safe disposal practices for hazardous materials and promote the services available at the Home Resource facility.

A key discussion point was the acceptance of various hazardous materials, including intact and non-leaking products. The facility is equipped to handle items such as mercury-containing light bulbs, which are not accepted at other disposal sites. For a small fee, residents can drop off these bulbs, and the facility ensures that the mercury is separated and recycled properly.

Participants learned about PCB ballasts, which were commonly used in fluorescent lighting before 1979. The facility accepts these ballasts for disposal, charging approximately $7 per pound due to the high costs associated with their safe handling. The meeting emphasized the importance of identifying hazardous materials, especially for those inheriting items from family members or moving into new homes.

To facilitate the disposal process, the Home Resource facility encourages residents to check their materials against a list of accepted and non-accepted items available on their website. They also offer a form for residents to submit inquiries about specific materials, ensuring clarity on what can be disposed of safely.

Appointments for disposal are available throughout the summer, with a fee of $20 to help cover costs. The drop-off process is designed to be efficient and safe, allowing residents to remain in their vehicles while staff handle the heavy lifting and sorting of materials.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the City of Missoula's commitment to providing accessible and safe disposal options for hazardous household chemicals, promoting environmental responsibility within the community.