PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Oregon environmental authorities have fined Portland General Electric $2,250 for mishandling broken fluorescent light bulbs, old batteries and paint filters it was throwing away.
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said Friday that a February inspection of the utility's service center in Portland turned up the violations.
The utility has paid the fine.
The department says fluorescent lamps are considered hazardous waste because they contain mercury, which is a danger to people and water supplies.
