Recycling problem

Sir--We are frequently told to use low energy light bulbs and fluorescent tubes in place of the old incandescent bulbs because they will use less energy during their lifetime and they will save us money.

Unfortunately this is not the whole story in Rotherham. After 12 years' usage I recently replaced two fluorescent tubes in my garage.

On their website Rotherham Borough Council states these should be taken to recycling centres for disposal unless you are a pedestrian, like me, in which case you are banned from these sites(presumably in case you are run over by a car travelling at the 10mph max speed).

I emailed the council - no reply - and then phoned up to find out what I should do with them. I was told that the council no longer had the facility to recycle these and I should employ a private firm ''out of the Yellow Pages'' to pick them up.

I duly did this, to be told that few companies touch them now. The only company I could find that does is called Lamp Care.

They only operate on a commercial contract basis, presumably with organisations such as Rotherham Borough Council.

Is this one of the council cutbacks that has a potential health risk? Remember to recycle, fellow council tax payers, but only what the council wants you to.

Just hang on to the old fluorescent tubes for years until one accidentally breaks and then you can sue Rotherham Council for Mercury poisoning.

John Statter.