New re-cycling plant for CFL bulbs

by Mohammed NAALIR

Orange Electric in collaboration with the Nordic Recycling Institute set up Sri Lanka’s first CFL recycling plant “Asia Recycling”, said, Managing Director, Orange Electric Kushan Kodituwakku.

Managing Director, Orange Electric Kushan Kodituwakku brief the media, Central Environment Authority Chairman Charitha Herath and Managing Director, Asia Recycling and Founder of Nordic Recycling, Sweden, Per Kristoffersson look on. Pix Kavindra Perera.

He said that this plant has been set up using the latest technology.

Kodituwakku said that even-though CFL and fluorescent bulbs are a productive means to save energy, disposing used bulbs in a negligent manner will cause severe environment hazards as it consists of mercury.

The plant is a privilege to this country and there is no such plant, even in countries such as Singapore and Malaysia.

He was addressing a media briefing held in Colombo last Wednesday organised to announce the setting up of Sri Lanka’ s first recycling plant.

Kodituwakku said that Orange Electric is working out plans to bring used CFL and fluorescent bulbs to the plant for recycling.

He called upopn customers to hand over used CFL bulbs to the dealer when purchasing new ones.

He said that plans are afoot to set up such plants in India, Singapore, Malaysia and China.

Central Environment Authority (CEA), Chairman Charitha Herath said that even though the CEA is a recognised Authority for environment management it is working closely with public and private institutions to implement programs to develop the environment, mitigative measures and environmental protection strategies in the country.

Considering its importance, the CEA has granted permission to Orange Electric to set up this plant in Sri Lanka, Herath said.