Where To Put the CFLs
Tags: Emissions, Lighting, Oil, Recycling
More and more countries are urging citizens to switch from using incandescent light bulbs to energy saving compact florescent lamps, CFLs. But what to do with the new alternative light source after it expires is a problem companies are hoping to control in the next few years.
CFLs contain 2.5 to 3 milligrams of mercury. Despite their hazardous mercury content, CFLs have become a widely recognized alternative for indoor lighting. On average, CFLs use one fourth to one fifth of the energy that incandescent bulbs use, plus they last up to 10 times longer. It's the most cost-effective way to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Some EU recycling policies have made it illegal to throw away CFLs in the trash. US citizens have the option of mailing the expired CFLs to the manufacturer for proper disposal. Developing countries often don't have recycling projects and often don't have the proper landfills to dispose of CFLs.
Some companies are cutting the amount of mercury directly at the source. CEO of Osram, Martin Goetzeler, says the company plans to cut the amount of mercury in CFLs by half in the upcoming years. "It should be part of any new technology that hazardous substances are regulated," he said. "And we should use the lowest levels [of toxins]." (Quote from Environmental News Network)
General Electric is following suit by investing in low mercury CFL technology. Vice president of GE's ecoimagination unit, Lorraine Bolsinger said "If we can get down to 1 milligram of mercury, that is a big breakthrough." (Quote from Environmental News Network)
Mercury is a neurological toxin. Unless recycled it often leaches into soil and groundwater beneath landfills or is incinerated into the air. Osram has set up CFL recycling units at locations across Europe, and has worked with the US Postal Service to develop mail-in recycling schemes. Recycling rates are as high up as 80% in some parts of Europe but the EU realizes that recycling projects are varied and scattered in different regions.
