Suggestion for disposal of spent bulbs

WasteServ is doing its utmost to clear Malta's roads, countryside, etc. of all possible recyclable waste material.

For this reason, the company has installed bring-in sites in all localities in which one can dispose of unwanted paper, plastic, tin and glass. It has also introduced a weekly collection of waste paper, plastic and tin from every household if such unwanted stuff is put in a grey plastic bag and left on the doorstep on collection day.

There is also an ongoing campaign by Wasteserv to urge everyone, including schoolchildren, to dispose of used batteries in a correct manner.

As regards spent bulbs and neon lights, the story is different. These are not to be put with the normal domestic refuse, nor in the bring-in site which takes glass, and neither in the grey bag. We are urged to take the spent bulbs and the like to some specific collection place.

I am very much in favour of recycling and have been doing this since the first set of bring-in sites was installed near St Michael's School in Pembroke. But, to keep spent bulbs at home until being disposed of as recommended, is inconvenient and poses a danger especially where there are small children. A more convenient and appropriate place has to be found to cater for this stuff.

What about a bin at the local council premises? What about entering into an agreement with outlets which sell bulbs and other electrical items to take the spent ones when buying new ones?

If Wasteserv wants people to cooperate, which I am sure it does, a more convenient way of disposing of such waste has to be found.