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.
