Action now: Secretary for Environment Edward Yau (second right) and other guests officiate the citywide fluorescent lamp recycling programme.

Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau has praised fluorescent lamp producers and suppliers for being eco-responsible in launching a citywide fluorescent lamp recycling programme today.

The programme is funded and organised by 15 lighting trade members with Environmental Protection Department support. It will provide an outlet for the public to recycle used fluorescent lamps.

Noting the initiative will encourage people to switch to more energy-efficient lighting products, Mr Yau called on other producers and suppliers to respond positively to the rising public aspiration for a greener lifestyle and introduce similar programmes to benefit the environment.

Under the programme all brands of fluorescent lamps including compact fluorescent lamps and fluorescent tubes will be collected for treatment at the chemical waste treatment centre. The initial target is to collect 400,000 used fluorescent lamps each year.

Regular collection services will start April at more than 400 public, subsidised and private housing estates. From today 53 public collection points will be phased in at the retail outlets of participating companies, designated shopping malls and home-product stores.

The department will also launch a mobile collection service March 29. A collection vehicle will be stationed at designated locations on Saturday and Sunday according to a district roster to collect used fluorescent lamps, other used computer equipment and waste electrical and electronic equipment. Participating companies will share the costs.

For programme details click here or call 2838 3111 for enquiries.