Responsible recycling of Fluorescent Tubes
The effect of fluorescent tubes on the natural environment is not widely known, the adverse affects on precious resources - such as water, are dangerous and detrimental. Fluorescent tubes consist of four elements - glass, aluminum, phosphor powder and the most hazardous material, mercury. One fluorescent globe contains enough mercury to contaminate 30,000 litres of water beyond a safe drinking level.
On this basis it is not a sustainable practice to dispose of fluorescent tubes with other general landfill, yet, only 1% of the 50-60 million fluorescent tubes and high intensity discharge bulbs consumed in Australia each year, are recycled in the appropriate manner.
As the Maintenance Essentials' 16 Points of Culture states under the heading of Environment:
- I will always seek environmentally sustainable practices and ensure that waste is minimised or eliminated at all times.
- I will seek to use the most environmentally sustainable products available.
It is for this reason that Maintenance Essentials has committed itself to the proper disposal of fluorescent tubes. The four main elements of the tubes can be effectively recycled.
- The mercury is distilled from the separated powders and used in the manufacture of dental amalgams.
- The aluminium tips are melted down into cast products such as ingots used in foundry applications.
- Phosphor powder is used in the manufacture of fertiliser products for agriculture.
- The glass from each tube is separated and recycled into glass wool used for home insulation.
It is evident that this environmentally sustainable process is another step forward in the ethical and social management proficiency of Maintenance Essentials.
There is a recycling box dedicated to the safe disposal of fluorescent tubes is located in each Maintenance Essentials office and holds 100 tubes at any one time.
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Maintenance of Emergency & Exit Lighting
Emergency & exit lighting systems require testing at 6 monthly intervals, in accordance with Australian Standard AS2293.2-2005. Maintenance Essentials assists building owners, managers and agents with the initial set up and subsequent testing of illuminated exit and emergency signs.
