Tuesday 14 January 2014

Recycle light bulbs to help needy families

S'pore's first light bulb recycling scheme launched
By Melissa Lin, The Straits Times, 13 Jan 2014

OVER the next six months, residents in the South West District can exchange their used light bulbs for discount vouchers to buy energy-efficient bulbs at cost price - while helping lower-income households.

The South West Community Development Council (CDC) yesterday launched Singapore's first light bulb recycling programme as part of a drive towards environmental sustainability.


To get the vouchers, residents can take their used bulbs to the district's 30 Residents' Committee Centres, which are equipped with light bulb recycling bins.

Five per cent of the proceeds from the sales of the energy-efficient light bulbs will go towards providing lower-income residents with the same bulbs for free to help them save energy costs.

Every month, lighting recycler Global Lamp Recyclers will collect and recycle the used bulbs as raw materials for other industries.

Lighting company General Electric Lighting will sponsor 2,000 energy-efficient light bulbs for 500 lower-income families and elderly residents living in one- to three-room flats in the district.

GE Lighting's Singapore country manager Jack Tan said: "Quality energy-efficient light bulbs are good for the environment and households as they last longer and consume less energy while providing the same quality of light."

The programme is part of the district's ninth annual recycling drive, Clean Up South West! 2014.

It is organised by the South West CDC and the National Environment Agency (South West Regional Office) and supported by grassroots organisations in the district.



Dr Amy Khor, the district's mayor, said: "Over the past eight years, we have been promoting recycling in the district with like-minded partners as part of our efforts to champion environmental responsibility.

"To date, our residents have contributed 265.6 tonnes of paper and 173.5 tonnes of clothing, equivalent to saving more than 4,500 trees."

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