Woolies CFL Phase Out Needs Toxic Plan
Thursday, 23 October 2008 22:56
“Woolies need to finish the job they’ve started,” said Helen Kerley, Waste Campaigner at TEC. “We applaud their leadership on energy efficiency but without recycling, they’re creating yet another environmental problem. Woolworths should commit to collecting and recycling the mercury containing lights to avoid a toxic waste legacy, either as part of a national program or stand alone Woolies project. The mercury contained in CFLs will cause a toxic nightmare for the environment and they must be collected and recycled by producers.”
“An early move by Woolworths would help convince state and federal environment ministers to get moving on this urgent problem. Leadership would also enhance the company’s environmental reputation.”
Woolworths Ltd sold 4.3 million CFLs last year in Australia and has recently announced plans to reduce the price of their ‘own brand’ CFLs to increase sales. CFLs contain anywhere between 1–5mg of mercury which, when disposed of in landfill, often breaks down into the toxic methyl mercury. This vapor is even more toxic and is easily distributed via the wind and can find its way into local environmental systems, including waterways.
“Woolworths currently sell over 9 million light bulbs annually, if all these sales are converted to CFLs this could see up to 48 million mgs of mercury being sent to Australia’s landfills. Woolies should take responsibility for the products they sell rather than forcing the costs on the environment and future generations.”
An extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme would provide a viable recycling pathway for the imminent increase in CFL use. An EPR scheme would solve problems associated with curbside recycling contamination, disposal to landfill and infrequent council hazardous waste collections.
“Australia’s governments are lagging perilously behind on extended producer responsibility for CFLs. Woolies should lead the way by introducing its own recycling scheme aiming for 100% return and recycling of the CFLs they sell. TEC calls upon Woolies to do the right thing and finish what they’ve started.”
“CFLs should be a top priority at the next Environment Protection and Heritage Council meeting on November 11th. There is a straightforward solution - the introduction of producer responsibility recycling schemes. Let’s not avoid this issue any longer,” said Miss Kerley.
