Recycling

Some light bulbs contain materials that must be recycled to prevent it entering the environment. Mercury in fluorescent lamps is an example. Over the last few years the amount of mercury required to make a fluorescent lamp function has been reduced dramatically but the lamps must still be disposed of correctly to prevent the mercury from contaminating the environment.

Most municipal refuse sites have collection points for domestic fluorescent lamps and a number of shops and supermarkets are now offering this facility for their customers.

Producers (Companies first placing light bulbs on the UK market) are legally obliged to join a government registered producer compliance scheme (PCS) under the UK WEEE Regulations.

This means they fund the receiving, recycling and recovery of waste materials in an environmentally sound manner in proportion to what they have placed on the Market each year.

 As a guide products which must be recycled are required to be marked with a crossed out wheelie bin (example shown below).

The Lighting Association has made a scheme available to its members called ‘LA Compliance’ which caters for the recycling of lamps, batteries and commercial light fittings.

further information can be obtained by visiting www.LACompliance.co.uk or contacting our WEEE helpline on 0191 423 6232