A new issue has come to light

As the UK switches over from the traditional incandescent light bulb to the greener, more efficient energy saving light bulb or Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), a new issue has come to light. Standard light bulbs just used to be thrown in the bin, but now that these energy efficient bulbs are classed as hazardous waste, how are you supposed to dispose them?

What many people do not realise is that under current legislation*, spent fluorescent light tubes, used sodium lamps and compact fluorescent lamps are classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of appropriately.

This is because they contain a small amount of mercury, which can escape from the bulb if it gets broken and can release toxic mercury vapour. Energy efficient light bulbs should not be thrown away in standard rubbish collections or in normal recycling bins. It is damaging to the environment if they end up in landfill and they need to be stored and disposed of carefully to reduce the risk of breaking.

PHS Wastemanagement''s Recyclite facility General Manager, Ramatu Bapulah comments;

“With ever increasing legislation, it can be very difficult for businesses to ensure that they are storing and disposing of their waste correctly, fulfilling their Duty of Care. Working with a partner like PHS Wastemanagement guarantees that your waste is being handled and recycled properly, ensuring that you are provided with all the necessary documentation you need to comply with regulations and for your ISO accreditations.”

The switch over from the incandescent light bulb started in 2009, and will continue to phase out models of bulb each year until a target date of 2016. This is dramatically increasing the number of businesses using the energy efficient bulbs. Many of these organisations are not aware that these bulbs are classed as hazardous waste or that they can be safely recycled.

Recycling your energy saving bulbs means that you can meet your Duty of Care responsibility under the Environment Protection Act 1990 and demonstrate your commitment to environmental best practices.

Contact us to find out how we can help you recycle your energy efficient light bulbs, fluorescent tubes and sodium lamps now.

* Hazardous Waste Regulations (England & Wales) 2005.