|
Law provides for safe handling of mercury containing bulbs
September 18, 2009
AUGUSTA – A bill to set up a permanent compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) recycling program went into effect last week. The law, sponsored by State Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, asks manufacturers to pay for the disposal of spent bulbs, which contain mercury.
The idea mirrors Maine’s e-waste program, in which makers of computers, televisions and other electronic products pay for the safe disposal of the devices.
“This follows in the footsteps of Maine’s highly successful electronic waste, cell phone and mercury auto-switch and mercury thermostat recycling laws,” Berry said. “Maine’s e-waste law has become a national model with 17 states following our lead.”
The law also authorizes Maine officials to adopt mercury content standards established for lamps sold in the European Union, a standard used in California and Vermont. Maine has already banned a number of products that contain mercury, which is a known toxin to people and the environment.
“Many Mainers don’t know that these light bulbs contain mercury and should not be discarded in the trash,” Berry said. “It is estimated that only 2 percent of CFLs are currently recycled, so most of these bulbs are going into the trash where they can create small mercury hazards in the home and lead to mercury emissions down the road, when the mercury escapes into the environment at incinerators and landfills.”
Contact:
Rep. Seth Berry, 522-1609
Amy Watson Saxton, legislative aide, 287-1430