Switch on to low energy bulb recycling
Environmentally-minded owners of low energy light bulbs are being reassured that they can dispose of them safely when they stop working at a number of locations in Warwickshire.
Warwickshire County Council wants to reassure residents following recent national and local news coverage expressing concerns about the hazardous materials contained in low energy light bulbs.
There are facilities for the recycling of household fluorescent tubes, sodium lamps and low energy bulbs at all of the nine recycling centres in Warwickshire.
In July 2005, the Government introduced a number of changes to the Hazardous Waste Regulations, classifying fluorescent tubes, sodium lamps, computer monitors and TVs as hazardous waste. Under the new regulations, producers of hazardous waste can no longer dispose of these items along with their general waste.
Cllr Martin Heatley, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “When broken these items can release phosphor dust and mercury toxic vapour, therefore to avoid harm to our health and to the environment it is essential that we discard of our waste responsibly.
“However, the last thing we want is for people to switch off to recycling, so if you have a used light bulb, a low energy bulb or a fluorescent tube please visit your local recycling centre, where a recycling attendant will advise you where to deposit your waste.”
Details about the county council’s nine recycling centres, including information regarding the opening times, location and the materials we can recycle can be found at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/waste
If you have any questions about recycling and disposal please contact the Waste Management Team at WCC on tel: 01926 412593 or email waste@warwickshire.gov.uk.