CEO, Leo Donovan featured on IrelandAM sharing advice of becoming greener this year
January 8, 2021
From recycling lightbulbs and batteries to household appliances, CEO of WEEE Ireland Leo Donovan was on Virgin Media TV on Ireland AM on the 8th of January this with some advice of becoming greener this year.
WEEE Ireland is calling on people to recycle all of their old lightbulbs and batteries and to be especially aware of the risks when disposing of then incorrectly.
View back on https://www.virginmediatelevision.ie/player/show/809/180280/0/Recycling-for-the-New-Year
How you can recycle?
Householders and small firms can recycle their waste lightbulbs free of charge by:
- Returning them to their local hardware or lighting store,
- Bringing them to their nearest local authority recycling centre or
- Asking their lighting installer to return waste lightbulbs to their wholesaler
For non-rechargeable batteries consumers can bring them to recycling centres or special WEEE Ireland boxes at Aldi, Gala and Supervalu stores.
Why Recycle?
Recycling lighting benefits the environment, allowing plastics, metals and glass to be recovered for further use in manufacturing.
When all types of batteries are recycled, many of the metals and compounds can be recovered to be re-used in the manufacturing of new batteries.
Hidden dangers of CFL bulbs
When you dispose of fluorescent and CFL bulbs in your regular rubbish, the risk of bulb breakage is high.
WEEE Ireland offers the following advice if you accidentally break a CFL or fluorescent bulb – to avoid contact with potentially harmful material such as broken glass, or sensitive materials, the following precautions are recommended:
- Ventilate the area immediately by opening all windows.
- Carefully clear up the broken bulb using stiff cardboard to “scoop” up the material.
- Avoid brushing and vacuuming since this could raise the dust and increase the safety risks.
- Be sure to wear appropriate PPE to protect against respiratory injury from dusts and vapours as well as other appropriate PPE to guard against cuts from sharp debris.
Hidden dangers of old batteries
They should never be left in a drawer for long periods of time, mixed together or wrapped in aluminium as they can leak harmful chemicals and are a fire hazard.
Improper disposal of lithium batteries in black bins is leading to an average of one fire a day at waste recycling facilities around the world.