Written question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Monday, 28 January 2008.

Light Bulbs

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they intend to take action to inform all households and businesses in what way they should safely dispose of used fluorescent light bulbs and how they should deal with breakages, bearing in mind the toxic substances contained in those commodities.

Answer: The Government have worked with our delivery partners—the Energy Saving Trust, Carbon Trust and Environment Agency—to ensure that households and businesses can access clear information on energy efficient light bulbs, their benefits, as well as how to dispose of them safely when they reach the end of their lives. I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the House that while energy efficient bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury (enough to cover the tip of a ball point pen) it cannot escape from an intact bulb. Even if a bulb should break, the risks from such a small amount of mercury are minimal. However, it is sensible for householders to take reasonable precautions in cleaning up and disposing of a broken bulb, such as ventilating the room for 15 minutes. A broken bulb can be taken to a local civic amenity site. Local authorities are under an obligation to provide such sites for the disposal of household waste.

Secondary information