Nassau, Bahamas -- The Ministry of the Environment and Housing demonstrated the final stage of the disposal process of mercury-contained Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) In Rawson Square November 15. The use of CFLs are considered hazardous to the environment and human health, and consequently governments around the world have launched efforts to seek ways to dispose of the bulbs properly.

Minister of the Environment and Housing the Hon. Kendred Dorsett said a programme has been advanced to bring about a greater degree of energy efficiency with the use of  energy efficient appliances and CFLs. He said, however, that because the CFLs contain mercury there must be care and respect in disposing of them as some are ending up in the landfill on Tonique Darling Williams Highway.

Under an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) pilot project, the Ministry began to collect and replace incandescent bulbs in each home and replace them with Government issued CFLs. The project now includes the demolition of the CFLs and has engaged with a company called Vortex, to supply the technology that collects the mercury and separates it from the casing, and dissolve it in charcoal to neutralise the poison.

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