11/03/2010 EMRC expands its fluorescent light recycling service

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC), along with its six member Councils*, is
trialling the collection of fluorescent globes at a range of public locations throughout Perth's
Eastern Region.

With the phasing out of incandescent lights in 2010, the new compact fluorescent lamps are
replacing standard globes. These lamps are more energy efficient and longer lasting than
standard globes; however, they do contain a small amount of mercury and should not be placed
in general rubbish bins or kerbside recycling bins.

EMRC's fluorescent light recycling program, for Perth's Eastern Region residents, started in 2008
at all member Council offices and via household hazardous waste disposal days. In 2009, EMRC
received funding from the Landfill Levy Fund and the Office of Energy to trial expanding
collections at a range of well utilised public locations.

The locations include two libraries (Bassendean and Morley), several shopping centres (Belmont
Forum, Centro Kalamunda, Forrestfield Forum and Marketplace, Midland Gate and The Shops at
Ellenbrook), Bunnings stores in Malaga and Midland and the Gidgegannup Hardware Store.

The new collection points will collect compact fluorescent globes only, and residents should look
for prominently marked bins. Residents can drop their fluorescent tubes off at their local Council
offices or take them along to regular household hazardous waste disposal days, held across the
region.

EMRC Chairman, Cr Graham Pittaway OAM said, "I urge residents to make the effort to recycle
their fluorescent globes. By recycling fluorescent lights, we are not only reducing mercury
emissions into the environment, but also recovering valuable resources".

Nearly all parts of the fluorescent light can be recycled with the aluminium being turned into bars
for reprocessing; phosphor powder being used in fertiliser; the glass used for glass wool for
insulation batts; and mercury being used in dental amalgam.

For further information, please visit the R-Gang website at www.rgang.org.au or call the R-Gang
hotline on 1800 855 955.

Ends

*EMRC member Councils - Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Shire of
Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan.