Problematic energy saving lightbulbs

[karohemd]

Yesterday, undyingking pointed out this article about the correct treatment of broken energy saving lightbulbs. Until then I had been unaware that they contain mercury which is quite a problematic substance if it's not handled properly, i.e. just dumped in the bin.

In an attempt to look into this further, I contacted ebulbshop.com where I get my CLF lightbulbs from, asking about tips for disposal and why isn't any easily accessible info about the mercury issue on their website.
I first got a quick blah response directing me to their website (which hasn't got any info I could find) and this website which deals with recycling of problematic products. After I complained about the lack of info about the potential environmental hazard of a product that is supposed to be good for the environment (by using less energy), I got another, rather impressive response, from the MD no less:

Hi [my real name]

I noted [customer support]'s email and I also have just seen your repsonse. I have to say
Andreas that I agree with much of what you say. We sell many CFL lamps and
I would like to think that we are a responsible retailer and offer sound
advice, a good service and value for money.

The issue with CFL lamps and the impact on the environment is a thorny one.
Undoubtedly they save money. It is obvious to see that a lamp offering the
same performance but with much less wattage has to be a good thing and that
surely means a slowing down of the usage of our precious natural resource
not to mention a drop in CO2. The issue, as you have pointed out, is what
should one do at the end of the product's life.

CFL lamps contain about 2% mercury - not a pleasant substance. I take on
board your comments and have been trying to work out what we, as a retail
operation, can do. Unfortunately, government thinking is a little confused
on this subject and the new WEEE directive, beginning on July 7th will add
at least 20 pence to the cost of each lamp.

Last Autumn, I offered a recycle bag to customers. This was a durable heavy
duty mail bag that could be sent with new lamps in order that the spent ones
could be returned, for us to dispose of in a responsible manner. The cost
of this would add at least £7 to each purchase. Freepost, production and
then disposal costs have to be considered as, like it or not, I am in
business to make a profit, which does go towards employing all the people
that make ebulbshop.com work. I wish I was a corporate fat cat on a large
city bonus but, let's be honest about this, there isn’t a huge profit in
lightbulbs and ultimately the consumer was not prepared to purchase the
returns bags. So, we couldn't afford to move the project forward.

Aparently, this weee 20 pence, collected all the way up the line will be
used to improve the recycling of these products - so maybe we will see some
action.

I will, however, introduce a section on the site that links to the
recolight site but I cannot have any impact on manufacturers' packaging and
the information they provide. I am still waiting for information from
recolight in terms of what advice we should offer.

If, in the meantime, you have any suggestions that you think may be of use
to consumers,l I would be happy to include it on the site. We have a large
number of visitors and anything that gets the message across has to be a
good thing.

Once more, thank you for your comments, they are appreciated and I hope that we can achieve something.

With kind regards
Rob James
Managing Director
Ebulbshop.com

I was very impressed and will report on anything happening. I'd be happy if they include a clearly visible link to a page pointing out the potential hazard and disposal instructions.

(crossposted to greenlifestyle)

Comments

[thepussykat.livejournal.com]

Your local council should offer a disposal service for mercury lamps (i.e. flourescent tubes) at the tip.

OK so it's not kerbside but it is still proper processing.

I do like the e-mail that he's sent back to you, very clear :-)

and yes, WEEE will make things a bit better. For a start people will be expected to pay for the entire product lifecycle not just the throwaway bit in the middle.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm sure the Milton site will be able to take them.
My whole point was that I had been unaware that those bulbs need to be handled carefully.

[taimatsu]

They should definitely pop something on the website and the packaging which says that the bulbs must be handled properly for disposal.

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Hopefully, this will happen, if that mail is to be believed. Also, I don't think he'd have written such a verbose reply if he didn't intend to do anything about it.
While the shop doesn't have any influence on the manufacturers, a sticker might be an idea. Hm.

[thepussykat.livejournal.com]

Yes, you're right there should be something on the packaging. :-/

[toxicpixie.livejournal.com]

Now I stop & think about it, yes they do. But that's only because you've just pointed it out!

Wouldn't have crossed my mind, otherwise.

Mind, I've never actually needed to dispose of any of mine :)

Nathan, the Toxic Pixie

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

I use daylight CFLs for photograpy and lob them around. As they are rather brittle, I've broken two so far and just dumped them in the bin. :o(

[toxicpixie.livejournal.com]

Ahhh, so you're in the thick of things with them then! Mine sit in ceiling fixtures and don't see so much action :)

Nathan, the Toxic Pixie

[the-elyan.livejournal.com]

As our work is currently awash with the damned things (they're handing them out like Smarties), I had a look on the packaging, and there was much about how much energy they save, but not a word on the subject of disposal, or that they contain mercury (assuming that these ones do, of course).

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

*nods*
I don't think the packaging of flourescent tubes contains mercury warnings, either. I need to have a look next time I'm at Homebase or somesuch.

Hm, I wonder if we should start a petition for the introduction of legislation that forces manufacturers to label their products respectively. There are so many silly ones but this would actually be useful.

[the-elyan.livejournal.com]

Indeed. They'd still insist that you stick "May contain nuts" on the box too...

[feanelwa.livejournal.com]

And/or bolts.

[susanofstohelit.livejournal.com]

I thought that was part of ROHS...

I've been learning a lot about it lately, since I send computer things to europe for work these days.

Page with details on how to dispose of CFLs

[(Anonymous)]

Hi,

This page details information on mercury in CFL bulbs, and also details how to recycle and dispose of CFLs should you break one.

http://howtosaveenergy.blogspot.com/2007/05/cfl-mercury-myths.html

Energy Saver
http://howtosaveenergy.blogspot.com
support@howtosaveenergy.co.uk

Re: Page with details on how to dispose of CFLs

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

And you are?