‘Mercury-free Makati’ campaign launched

A month after launching a public awareness campaign on the hidden dangers of mercury contained in ordinary light bulbs and batteries, the developers of Zuellig Building in Makati City have collected about 1.58 tons of the hazardous wastes.

Dubbed as “Hg-free Makati,” the project, which was inspired by the Makati government’s “green” initiatives, calls for the proper collection and disposal of used light bulbs and batteries, which are normally thrown with regular thrash.

Hg is the chemical symbol for mercury.  It comes from the Latin word hydrargyrum.

Among the initial participants were office buildings and hotels in  Barangay Urdaneta, where the 33-story Zuellig Building is currently under construction.

“Hg-free Makati” is the Zuellig Building’s contribution to the commercial business district and the city of Makati’s aim to achieve an environmentally responsible and sustainable future that benefits both its citizens and the planet,” said Daniel Zuellig, director of Bridgebury Realty Corp., the building’s developer.

Toxic metals, such as mercury, are released when bulbs break and batteries are left in landfills, threatening to contaminate the air and water supply. Exposure to mercury has been known to cause a variety of health problems, including tumors, respiratory diseases, impaired vision and hearing.

Innovative Technology Environmental Solutions, a waste management facility accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,  ensures environmental compliance by using a “bulb eater” to safely contain the mercury found in each of the bulbs and tubes. Other materials such as glass and metals are then recycled.

“The safety of our community and betterment of the environment are top priority for the city of Makati. We are proud to be part of yet another project, Hg-free Makati, that involves not only the collection of hazardous waste, but the education of the public as well,” Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. said.