An October 2010 Legal Brief by the Education Law section of Tharrington Smith, L.L.P., describes an important piece of legislation passed by the North Carolina General Assembly during the 2009-2010 session. It states:
“Beginning July 1, 2010, local governments must recycle spent fluorescent lightbulbs and thermostats containing mercury. In addition, prior to demolishing any building owned by a unit of local government, all fluorescent lights and mercury-containing thermostats must be removed from the building.”