To expedite the phasing out of energy-inefficient incandescent light bulbs, the Government has reduced their availability in Hong Kong, and enhanced public education on the benefits of energy-efficient lamps.
Secretary for the Environment KS Wong told legislators today 90% of the electricity consumed by incandescent bulbs is lost as heat, making them inefficient.
The Government has set up a charter scheme, in which 36 suppliers and 28 retailers have pledged to stop selling incandescent light bulbs. People can replace them with energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps and LED lamps.
On the disposal of fluorescent lamps, Mr Wong said while they normally contain mercury vapour, their transport and disposal under normal circumstances will not affect people's health. Disposal in large quantities, however, must comply with the Waste Disposal Regulation. The trade has launched a recycling programme to collect these lights from households for delivery to a treatment centre.