In order to meet the 2-degree target, to keep the “global, 21st century, temperature rise under 2 degrees Celsius,” we need to save a lot of energy. There is an enormous amount of focus on that right now. Dutifully, many of us have replaced those old energy guzzling light bulbs with the new, low-energy, environmentally-friendly ones. Did you know that they may contain mercury?

A recent series of articles in Sweden have exposed the mercury problem. Not surprisingly, some of that mercury is ending up where it shouldn’t be—out in nature, among other places. On top of that, the folks that manufacture them—in places like China—are getting sick. In one of the light bulb factories, 68 of the 72 workers got so sick from mercury that they were sent to the hospital. Naturally there are risks for those working in recycling centers too.

The exposure of this problem in the news here has led to discussions on how to better collect the used bulbs. It is estimated that about 200,000 mercury-laden bulbs have ended up in the wrong recycling bin, that is, probably the one for glass. (There is no figure on the number just thrown in the garbage.) My concern is that the discussion centers simply on how to improve the management of this process—to better collect this hazardous material. But what about finding alternative solutions? In 2009 Sweden banned mercury, with the exception these light bulbs. However, when they recommend you leave and air a room where a heated light bulb has been broken we are entering dangerous territory.

As to the mercury they do collect? To date it is not being recycled. Instead, it is sent to be permanently “stored” in a salt mine in Germany. There’s just got to be a better way!

Here are the Swedish instructions on cleaning up a warm light bulb that contains mercury and here is the EPA’s version.

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and GFDL.