With the help of a $5,000 donation from CITGO, a mercury collection facility is offered to residents at no charge at the City’s Wastewater Division located at 1132 W. 18th Street. CITGO has long been a supporter of the Keep Greater Lake Charles Beautiful—Team Green endeavor, having contributed more than $40,000 to help support the program since 2007 when the mercury recycling facility opened. The site is open every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Due to CITGO’s generosity, the site accepts fever thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, batteries and thermostats to name a few items. Since 2007, more than 440 lbs. of liquid mercury have been collected, as well as 6,000 bulbs (including compact, neon and U-tube linears). The facility has also received 95,000 linear feet of fluorescent lamps, equivalent to 23,750 4-foot lamps.

Keep Greater Lake Charles Beautiful—Team Green is a Mayor’s Commission whose mission is to develop and sponsor projects which will enhance the appearance and quality of the environment of Southwest Louisiana. The group is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Louisiana Beautiful.

Mercury Donation

Pictured (L to R) is Emelie Mosca Gary, City of Lake Charles Wastewater Division and Mercury Collection Facility Manager, Dana Keel, CITGO Government and Public Affairs Manager and Compliance Manager, and Katie Harrington, City of Lake Charles Public Information Officer.