CEA to systematically dispose used CFL bulbs

Hemanthi GURUGE

The Central Environment Authority (CEA) will take measures to systematically dispose used Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL), Chairman Charitha Herath said.

He invited the business community who have imported CFLs to a discussion on the issue. Two proposals have already been received and the authorities will be working on it in the immediate future. The CEA is planning to introduce a mechanism to dispose these bulbs within a short period.

According to customs data in 2009, 12.3 million of CFL and 13 million of Integrated Fluorescent Light (IFL) had been imported into the island. There is no proper mechanism for disposal of these used items.

CFL bulbs are made of glass tubes filled with gas and small amount of mercury. As CFLs are filled with mercury, a hazardous chemical, it can cause adverse impact on humans and environment when it is released.

There is no proper mechanism or disposal facility to manage discarded bulbs in the country. These bulbs are being dumped in the environment through the municipal solid waste stream. It is an urgent requirement to build a proper disposal mechanism. CFL bulbs being hazardous waste, it is an issue that needs urgent attention. CEA was given power to mange hazardous waste including e-waste , clinical waste and chemical waste.