Low-energy bulb disposal warning issued

The Environment Agency has called for more information to be made available on the health and environmental risks posed by low-energy light bulbs. It says because the bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, more information about safe recycling is needed.

It also wants health warnings printed on packaging and information on how to clear up smashed bulbs in the home.

Official advice from the Department of the Environment states that if a low-energy bulb is smashed, the room needs to be vacated for at least 15 minutes. A vacuum cleaner should not be used to clear up the debris, and care should be taken not to inhale the dust. Instead, rubber gloves should be used, and the broken bulb put into a sealed plastic bag - which should be taken to the local council for disposal.

View Full Article 5th January 2008

Related Recycling Articles

  • Shropshire Recycling Roadshow 2008 (12th September 2008)

    • Would you like to find out more about waste, recycling and composting, and about your local waste services? The Shropshire Waste Partnership has organised a series of events across Shropshire where you will be able to find more about: ... more >

    Recycling Tips

    Avoid using disposables, goods that are used once and then thrown away. There are products designed to be re-used or have a longer life, like re-chargeable batteries and low energy light bulbs.

    more tips...

    Recycling Tips

    Did You Know?

    About one fifth of the contents of household dustbins consist of paper and card, of which nearly half is newspapers and magazines. This is equivalent to over 4kg of waste paper and card per household in the UK each week.

    more facts...

    Did You Know? Recycling Facts