Getting rid of energy-saving bulbs

The British government have warned today that energy saving light bulbs may have to have their own special arrangements for disposal. Apparently, some of the new energy saving light bulbs on the market contain mercury and if these bulbs make their way to landfill sites, they would end up causing contamination.

Ordinary incandescent light bulbs are going to be banned in the EU in the next two years to help in the fight against climate change. All of the 27 member states will be expected to ensure citizens change to energy efficient bulbs. Environmentaslists have claimed that this change alone will save up to £5.4 million ($10 million) in fuel bills and reduce carbon emissions by around 20 million tonnes. It is expected that there will be proposals for the safe disposal of the light bulbs drawn up before the change comes into effect.

It does beg the question how governments will police the disposal of these bulbs, and what sort of health hazard they pose to individuals if broken in the home or at work. The European Commission has already moved to ban mercury in thermometers as part of the EU mercury strategy which was adopted by the EC in 2005 to help protect citizens’ health and the environment – surely light bulbs pose more risk than thermometers?