Light bulb phase out prompts CFL recycling push

On September 1 a European ban on 60 watt incandescent bulbs takes effect, meaning they will no longer be sold in shops. The ban is the latest stage in a gradual phase out of all traditional light bulbs, which began in September 2009 (see letsrecycle.com story).

This phase out of traditional bulbs is expected to be accompanied by the increasing use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) more commonly known as low-energy light bulbs. As a type of gas discharge lamp, these bulbs are covered by the WEEE regulations, which mean producers are obligated to find their collection and disposal.

And, the UKs largest specialist compliance scheme for lamp producers, Recolight, is set use to next weeks ban as the opportunity to increase relatively low levels of public awareness about how and why bulbs which are hazardous waste can be recycled.

This will involve the schemes chief executive, Nigel Harvey, being interviewed by a number of regional radio stations nationwide in what he told letsrecycle.com was a bid to reach as many members of the public as possible.

This activity is part of our on-going commitment to raising awareness of the importance of lamp recycling, and alerting people to the hundreds of facilities we have put in place across the country to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to do so, he said.

The radio day follows on from Recolights Bertie Bulb Tour, during which recycling mascot Bertie Bulb visited local authorities and retailers across the country to encourage people to recycling CFLs.

Hazardous waste

While there are no legal requirements for householders to recycle CFLs, the fact that the bulbs contain mercury and as such are classed as hazardous waste means it is seen as important that they are diverted from landfill.

Currently, the principle avenue for householders to recycle CFLs is via local authority civic amenity sites, although Recolight is working with retailers such as Sainsburys and Homebase to provide recycling facilities for the waste stream at their stores. The scheme has said it plans to provide 1,100 drop-off points nationwide within the next year (see letsrecycle.com story).

For businesses, the bulbs status as hazardous waste means they are expected to recycle them, rather then send them to landfill.

The Europe-wide ban on traditional light bulbs will be completed on September 1 2012, when all remaining incandescent bulbs are phased out. The UK has its own voluntary phase-out of bulbs which begins prior to each European deadline for 60 watt incandescent bulbs this began in January 2011.