Provincial CPPCC members: waste energy-saving lamps can not throw

Because of their energy-saving features, energy-saving lamps are gradually replacing incandescent lamps and are welcomed by the public. However, many people do not realize that used energy-saving lamps are harmful to the environment and the human body and are hazardous wastes. Zhang Jin, a member of the Hunan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), paid attention to this issue in the proposal and reminded the public that the old energy-saving lamps cannot be thrown. It is suggested that the government should establish a corresponding recycling system as soon as possible to avoid causing harm to the environment and the human body.

The proposal stated that in order to raise awareness of energy saving and emission reduction of the whole society and achieve energy conservation and emission reduction targets, the Ministry of Finance and the National Development and Reform Commission have established a new mechanism for promotion and subsidy of energy saving products, focusing on supporting the promotion of energy efficient lighting products. During the “Eleventh Five-Year Plan” period, China has promoted 150 million energy-saving lamps throughout the society through financial subsidies to gradually replace incandescent lamps and other inefficient lighting products. Last year, Shanxi Province promoted 6 million energy-saving lamps by financial subsidies.

Energy-saving lamps can save 60% to 80% of electricity compared to ordinary incandescent lamps, and their service life is 4 to 6 times longer. Therefore, the promotion of energy-saving lamps can effectively save electricity, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but the current energy-saving lamps basically contain mercury, its boiling point is low, can be evaporated at room temperature. It is understood that if mercury in an energy-saving lamp is immersed in the ground, 180 tons of water will be contaminated. After the waste lamp is broken, mercury will enter the atmosphere in the form of vapor. Once the mercury content in the air exceeds the standard, it will cause harm to the human body. If it is exposed to excessive amounts for a long time, it will be poisoned.

Member Zhang Jin suggested that a recycling system for used energy-saving lamps should be established as soon as possible to clarify the recovery responsibility of producers and sellers and to force them to pay for recycling. In addition, the environmental protection department should strengthen supervision, scientifically set up a recycling network, determine a dedicated waste energy recycling company, and ensure that the recovered energy-saving lamps can be safely handled.