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‘Google Gormley’ leaves consumers in the dark over CFL disposal

Issued : Wednesday 9 January, 2008

Advice from the office of Environment Minister John Gormley, that consumers should “consult the internet” on how to dispose of hazardous CFL bulbs is remarkable.

CFL bulbs contain trace quantities of mercury, and require particular attention when they are being disposed, especially if they are damaged or broken. The UK Department of Environment has seen fit to issued detailed guidelines on this, and revelations today that Minister Gormley hasn’t even asked the EPA to look at this, is very worrying.

It’s even more worrying that the Minister’s office believes that the best information available on this can be accessed by checking Google, or some other internet search service. Surely the Minister should be aware that there is no quality control whatsoever over information that appears on the internet and in many cases, contradictory and even dangerous advice and information appears.

As CFL bulbs become more prolific, disposal issues will inevitably require more attention. I wonder if the Minister has even considered the impact that the mercury contained in these bulbs, could have in landfills? People need more assurance on this. The Minister also needs to provide public facilities for recycling these bulbs.

Unfortunately this backs up my suspicion that the Minister rushed through his plans to ban traditional bulbs, without thinking it through fully.

I also believe that the overall environmental impact of CFL bulbs, and the full effect of CFLs on the health of people suffering with lupus and epilepsy need to be taken into account.

Minister Gormley has still not said whether he has any plans to provide support for low-income families in the move to CFLs, and given the cost of these products that is something that he must address.

He needs to consult with all the stake holders, and that includes our own domestic lighting industry where many jobs are at stake.

I support the greater use of CFLs, and I believe that the move away from incandescent bulbs may well make a contribution to reducing our carbon emissions, but it should be done in a well thought out manner, and not in this haphazard, slap dash way, that has characterised Minister Gormley’s approach on this.