New research from Recolight, a specialist WEEE compliance scheme for gas discharge lamps, suggests there is a significant regional variation in awareness of the WEEE regulations among smaller electrical contractors, with nearly one quarter (23%) of those in Greater London unaware of the regulations.
Scotland follows closely behind with 17% of smaller electrical contractors unaware of the WEEE regulations. This is a considerable contrast to the East Midlands / East Anglia where 100% of electrical contractors surveyed are aware of the regulations. Similarly, 99% and 98% of electrical contactors are aware of the WEEE regulations in the West/South West and Wales respectively.
The research also found:
• 94% of electrical contractors are aware of the WEEE regulations
• 95% of electrical contractors feel confident that they know what their obligations are under the WEEE regulations
Peter Lees, commercial manager of Recolight said: "It's been two years since the WEEE regulations were implemented and the research results are generally positive. Although the results indicate there is a regional variation in awareness levels, they do also show a good overall level of awareness of the regulations amongst smaller electrical contractors and their obligations under them."
Despite this, 13% of electrical contractors said they do not feel they are as well informed about the regulations as they could be. Over one third of electrical contractors who do not feel up-to-date on the regulations cited information being hard to access as the main reason. Lack of time and the changing regulations were also cited as barriers to information.
Of those smaller electrical contractors who do recycle old lamps, the most common route for recycling is through their supplier or wholesaler and nearly one third said they recycle via a facilities management company. Furthermore, 60% of electrical contractors say that recycling has a minor cost impact on their business whilst 4% say recycling has a significant cost impact on their business.
Lees continued: "The research also shows there is still more work to be done to ensure all electrical contractors are aware of the regulations and feel they are as well informed as they could be. It is important that electrical contractors are aware of the different recycling options available to them, such as compliance schemes like Recolight. We also want to ensure electrical contractors understand that recycling doesn't have to impact on the cost of their business.
"We offer a variety of collection options to enable people to recycle simply, efficiently and cost effectively and we hope that this will help us achieve our vision of 100% of end-of-life lamps being recycled."
