From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, January 11, 2008

DEVON County Council's waste management team is reminding residents that low energy lightbulbs can be disposed of safely at any of the county's recycling centres.

Following recent press interest in disposal methods for low energy light bulbs, because of their small mercury content, the County Council is suggesting that people make use of its network of recycling centres across Devon which has facilities available to recycle such bulbs.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "To clarify recent confusion, householders are advised that the best way to dispose of these bulbs is by taking them to a recycling centre. However, people can still dispose of them legally via the normal refuse collection systems. We would ask that householders do not make special trips to recycle just one or two bulbs, but simply take them along to the recycling centres with their next planned visit."

Major retailers in the UK have this month started to reduce the number of traditional light bulbs on sale as part of a voluntary initiative to replace them with energy-efficient bulbs on shop shelves over the next four years. The aim is to save up to five million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year by 2012, and the Government is aiming to completely phase out inefficient lightbulbs by 2011.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, one energy saving lightbulb could save you up to £7 and 26 kilograms of CO₂ a year, and because it will last up to 10 times longer than a standard bulb, it could save you around £60 before it needs replacing.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.