recycling your light bulbWe all have a responsibility to recycle what we can.
Burning rubbish is fast becoming a lost cause, given the contribution this makes to the greenhouse effect. Landfill is filling up and space is limited. The need for recycling has never been greater and it starts with each one of us listening to the arguments, understanding the issues and committing ourselves to change.
Energy efficient lighting is here to stay
From September 2009, the UK started phasing out traditional incandescent light bulbs as a response to a new EU Directive on Energy Using Products (EUP). Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will be the most widespread solution available and are the most energy-efficient option.
This will provide cheaper, longer lasting lighting with key benefits for our environment.
A safer way to recycle your light bulbs Gas discharge lamps, GDLs, contain a small amount of mercury (just enough to cover the tip of a ballpoint pen). Whilst minimal, it cannot be treated as normal landfill given the detrimental effect it could have on our environment. The specialist recycling of light bulbs is managed by the Recolight scheme to a recognised Industry Standard, and this is compliant with the WEEE (Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Regulations. It is designed to increase the reuse of recycling of electrical and electronic equipment by reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Recolight has set up a series of Open Collection Points where users of CFLs can deposit their used/damaged light bulbs. The location and number of these is growing each day - visit www.recolight.co.uk/FREE-recycling/ and to find your nearest recycling centre. |