Letter to the Editor of SCMP

 
Letter to the Editor of SCMP - Response to letter about safe disposal of used energy-saving light bulbs

I write in response to the letter about the safe disposal of used energy-saving light bulbs on 28 March 2008 by Ms Sharon Li.

The Government encourages the wider use of fluorescent lamps since they are more energy-efficient and have a longer service life than incandescent light bulbs. However, they contain a small quantity of mercury, and broken lamps should be properly handled.

To provide an environmentally sound outlet for the disposal of used fluorescent lamps, 15 suppliers of fluorescent lamps have joined hands to organise and fund a territory-wide recycling programme with the support of the Environmental Protection Department. Starting from 3 April, 53 public collection points will be provided at the retail outlets of participating companies, designated shopping malls and houseware stores. In addition, over 480 housing estates have signed up for the recycling programme, and starting from 14 April, collection bins will be provided at these participating housing estates for residents to deposit their used lamps. The collected lamps will then be delivered to a mercury lamp treatment facility set up at the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre. More details on the recycling programme can be found at https://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/household/flrp_intro.htm.

We thank Ms Li for her interest in the safe disposal of energy-saving light bulbs, and we encourage the public to participate in the fluorescent lamp recycling programme.


Patrick Lei
Environmental Protection Department