SEATTLE---Bartell Drugs is the first drugstore chain in the Northwest to provide free recycling of CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs at all 56 of its locations as part of a new pilot recycling program.

Bartell’s has teamed up with Total Reclaim, a locally-owned, Seattle-based recycling firm and its EcoLights division-- the only permitted “final destination” fluorescent lamp recycling facility in Washington State. In conjunction with the EcoLights program, Bartell’s customers can bring CFL bulbs to any store location for environmentally-friendly recycling of the bulbs.

For a complete list of Bartell’s locations in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, please visit www.bartelldrugs.com

CFL bulbs all contain small amounts of potentially harmful mercury and safe disposal of the bulbs keeps mercury out of landfills. Bartell’s will accept mini-twists, flood, globe, 3-way bulbs and other CFL bulbs. Fluorescent tube lights are not accepted at this time.

“We are one of the leading CFL retailers in the Puget Sound area. This is an easy and convenient way for our customers to close the purchase-to-disposal loop in an environmentally safe way,” said George D. Bartell, chairman and CEO of the Seattle-based chain.

According to Michael Arbow, business relationship manager for Total Reclaim, the used bulbs will be totally recycled, including the glass, aluminum, plastics and mercury.

“It not only makes sense for our environment, but the recycled material is put to use again in our local economy,” said Arbow.

With the launch of the introductory program, Bartell’s is a member of the Take It Back Network, a group of retailers, repair shops, non-profit organizations, waste haulers and recyclers that offer convenient options for recycling certain products that should not be disposed of in the trash. The network includes members and initiatives in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. For more information, visit
www.takeitbacknetwork.org

Bartell Drugs has been recognized for its role in supporting local energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The drugstore chain has been selected to receive one of Seattle City Light’s 2008 Power Player Awards and was the utility’s first retail partner in the Twist and Save program—achieving sales of one million CFL bulbs in only 12 months.

About Bartell Drugs
Seattle-based Bartell Drugs owns and operates 56 stores in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. Family owned for 118 years, it is the nation's oldest drugstore chain. For more information on Bartell Drugs visit www.bartelldrugs.com

Media Contacts:
Rebecca Siegmund, Assistant V.P. of Marketing
Bartell Drugs, 206.763.2626

Barry Bartlett
The Bartlett Group Public Relations
206.285-0673, barry@bartlettgrouppr.com