Mechanism to collect discarded CFL bulbs
Disna Mudalige
A mechanism to collect discarded CFL and tube light bulbs will be
introduced this year as a measure to control the serious health and
environmental hazards posed by these products, Central Environmental
Authority (CEA) chairman Wimal Rubasinghe said. He said a proper
disposal method for these products that contain mercury had been a long
felt need.
Rubasinghe said it is now a proven and widely accepted fact that the
mercury inside these bulbs and various other parts pose a serious health
risk to the public.
He said due the haphazard disposal of used CFL and tube light bulbs,
the mercury in them often mix with the soil and enter the human body,
plants and animals.
Rubasinghe said it has been found that mercury can cause dangerous
illnesses such as cancer.
He said he held a meeting with leading companies that manufacture and
sell CFL and tube light bulbs in Sri Lanka to discuss this matter and
the proposal that the companies which manufacture and sell these
products should launch a system to collect their used items for
recycling was extensively discussed.
Rubasinghe said it was suggested to collect the used CFL and tube
light bulbs from households in the same manner that empty glass bottles
and old newspapers are collected.
The chairman said collectors and people who hand over these used
items will be paid money.
He said the CEA is working enthusiastically to implement this
programme within this year considering it as an urgent need.
Rubasinghe said the need to adopt alternatives for mercury was
emphasied at many international environmental forums recently.
He said the Health Ministry recently banned the provision of pressure
meters and thermometers with mercury to hospitals.
Rubasinghe said alternatives such as digital thermometers and
pressure meters are available in the market.
He said the country needs to gradually shift to these alternative
products.
He said proper disposal methods for CFL and tube light bulbs will be
put into force within this year. |
