SUPERMARKET giant Sainsbury's is introducing light bulb and battery recycling facilities at its stores.

Most batteries contain heavy metals, which are the main cause for environmental concern. When disposed of incorrectly, these heavy metals may leak into the ground when the battery casing corrodes. This can contribute to soil and water pollution and endanger wildlife.

Energy-saving bulbs contain a tiny amount of mercury, which can't escape from the light bulb when it is being used. Care must be taken in how you dispose of them, they cannot be thrown into the domestic rubbish.

Pinhoe Sainsbury's is one of 200 across the country to benefit from the co-collection of energy-saving light bulbs and batteries in specially designed containers.

The supermarket chain has joined up with light bulb recycling specialists, and not-for profit organisation, Recolight, to provide the facilities.

Consumers can currently recycle used energy-saving light bulbs at the country's 1,100 civic amenity sites. Pinhoe's deputy store manager Ian Parker, 32, said the extra recycling facilities had been a great success: "Customers have said how happy they are to have light bulb and battery recycling in addition to our existing facilities."

The extra facility has come in response to new legislation introduced at the beginning of February requiring all retailers to provide portable battery recycling. The nationwide scheme makes Sainsbury's the first retailer to offer the joint collection of light bulbs and batteries.

Recolight's chief executive Nigel Harvey said: "Research has indicated that consumers will recycle energy-saving light bulbs if they have access to suitable drop-off points. Sainsbury's stores provide an excellent location for these joint collections."

Defra Environment Minister, Dan Norris, added: "Using energy-efficient bulbs saves energy, carbon and money. I'm delighted to hear that Sainsbury's and Recolight are taking the lead with this initiative to make it easier for people to recycle their bulbs."