THE FACTS ABOUT

FLUORESCENT TUBES, LAMPS & GLOBES

AUSTRALIANS DISPOSE OF APPROXIMATELY 50 TO 60 MILLION FLUORESCENT TUBES AND HID (HIGH INDENSITY DISCHARGE) LAMPS EVERY YEAR, RESULTING IN LARGE AMOUNTS OF MERCURY BEING SENT TO OUR LANDFILLS.

The unsafe disposal of mercury-containing products leads to the contamination of our food chain, especially fish.

Fluorescent tubes contain heavy metals that are toxic, and impose a major risk to human health and the environment.
Between 2008 and 2020, Australians will save 28 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, just by using more energy efficient It is estimated that 95% of lighting.

Up to 15 milligrams of mercury is found in one fluorescent tube.

The mercury, glass, aluminium and phosphor powder from fluorescent tubes can all be recycled saving valuable resources and helping prevent environmental damage.

mercury-containing HID lamps end up in Australian landfills each year.

SITA is a foundation signatory of the national FluoroCycle scheme.

As of 2009, incandescent light bulbs can no longer be sold in Australia.

Sources: Eco Voice, Environment Protection and Heritage Council, Environment Victoria, Zero Waste WA, Fluorocycle and The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

January 2012
Printed on recycled paper using environmentally friendly soy-based inks