The Electrical Equipment Manufactures Association of Canada (a council of Electro-Federation Canada) is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Environment has approved the BC Fluorescent Lamps Stewardship Plan. This program will be one of the first extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs for lamps (also known as light bulbs) in North America. The program will take back fluorescent light bulbs sold for residential use starting July 1, 2010.
EPR programs for fluorescent light bulbs reduce the burden on municipal waste systems while decreasing the environmental impact of the product. Residents are encouraged to use these more energy-efficient bulbs although some have voiced concerns over the mercury content. The member companies of EEMAC have been able to reduce the mercury content of the bulbs by over 80% in the past 10 years. Now with this program, the minute amounts of mercury still necessary for the fluorescent light bulbs to work will be collected, preventing its release into the water or air. The other components of the fluorescent light bulbs will also be recycled.
The stewardship plan was written by Product Care and EEMAC and will be administered by Product Care. With the plan approved, Product Care is working to implement the collection, transportation and processing aspects as well as plan for educating residents on the program. Non-member producer companies are also encouraged to join the program. A copy of the plan can be viewed at www.productcare.org/lamps.html.
For more information, please contact PCI or Wayne Edwards, VP, EEMAC at wedwards@electrofed.com or 647-258-7483.
About EEMAC
The Electrical Equipment Manufactures Association of Canada (a council of Electro-Federation Canada) is the meeting place for over 100 companies involved in the manufacturing and sale of electrical products, systems, and components in Canada. EEMAC focuses on the economic well-being of the industry through Government Relations, Codes & Standards, Distribution Channel Partnership and Statistical Programs. For more information, visit www.electrofed.com.
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