Zero Waste: Light bulbs and fluorescent tubes

The release of mercury into the environment is a growing problem, with the need for disposal of the compact 'energy saving' lamps now being added to the challenge of properly disposing of regular fluorescent tubes. Like their big brother, these new compact bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, and need to be dealt with as a hazardous waste.

These bulbs should be safely and properly disposed of, and should certainly not be casually broken at any point of their life-cycle.

A good way for some of us to dispose of our old, used bulbs, is to take them to our local Hazmobile collection. (Auckland, Environment Bay of Plenty, Hutt Valley, Waimakiriri.)

For thoses without access to a proper Council collection, you should be aware that Medichem provides a commercial service for the collection and recycling of all fluorescent light bulbs.

At this stage, the service is not universal across New Zealand, and more collection agents are required. We need to encourage hardware stores and chain stores to take more responsibility here. If you want to know your closest collection point, contact Medichem, phone 0800 10 21 31. Please note that for these hazardous goods, a fee may be payable for their safe disposal - protecting our environment does not come free.

For more information on fluorescent bulbs, visit: