Imdaad & Lamps 4 U launch innovative green solution for spent CFLs

June 23, 2016– Improper disposal of energy-efficient tube lights and bulbs, though safe to use, pose a significant risk to the environment because they can release toxic mercury into the air, soil and water, causing harm to the environment and humans. With compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) as an essential component of everyday living, it is crucial to take effective and stringent measures to ensure that burnt-out lights do not end up in landfills.

With the aim to safely recycle CFLs, Imdaad, a leading provider of integrated facilities, environment and energy management solutions in the GCC, has signed a strategic partnership with Lamps 4 U, a sustainable solutions and technologies company, to ensure that end of life tubes and bulbs are not thrown in regular waste bins. Imdaad will provide special containers for collection of spent tubes and bulbs and recycle them at a special facility located in Dubai Silicon Oasis. 

Mahesh Patel, CEO, Lamps 4 U, said: “CFLs are not only energy-efficient but also completely safe to use; however, disposing them in landfill increases the level of hazardous toxic metal in the environment. Lamps 4 U has joined forces with Imdaad, a leader in waste management and recycling, to collect CFLs and recycle them in their facility. Aside from ensuring that harmful mercury does not enter the environment, their recycling will allow the reuse of glass, metals and other materials used during production. Through this partnership, we aim to collect as many CFLs as possible and at the same time, raise community awareness on the harmful effects of mercury.”

“The use of CFLs is prevalent in the UAE; however, people are not aware that their disposal in landfills is toxic for the environment and humans. At the same time, there is a need to develop more facilities for the collection and disposal of discarded lights and bulbs. To this end, we have collaborated with Lamps 4 U to collect burnt-out CFLs in specially designed boxes and recycle them in a partner facility, contributing to the government’s goal of achieving zero-waste to landfills. Both companies have come together in this joint effort as they share a common vision of ensuring that our environment remains safe and sustainable for present and future generations,” concluded Jamal Abdullah Lootah, CEO, Imdaad.

The sale of incandescent light bulbs and traditional filament bulbs is banned in the UAE as per the directives of the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA). While energy-efficient CFLs are currently being used in the country, it is vital to raise awareness about the proper disposal of burnt-out lights and provide for separate collection bins to diminish harmful effects. It is noteworthy that mercury from one fluorescent bulb can pollute 6,000 gallons of water beyond safe levels of drinking, with just 68 grams enough to contaminate a 20-acre lake forever.