Recolight, a specialist WEEE compliance scheme for gas discharge lamps, has announced it has funded the recycling of 100 million lamps since it commenced operations in July 2007. This figure represents more than a third of a tonne of mercury which would otherwise have entered landfill[1], and cements Recolight’s reputation as a unique force in WEEE compliance.
Nigel Harvey, Recolight’s chief executive, said; “”Reaching the 100 million mark is a significant achievement – not just for Recolight, but for the lighting industry as a whole. The dedication of our collection points and environmentally aware contractors, as well as the vital support of our members, have all contributed to our success.
“Through Recolight, the lighting industry is arguably responsible for recycling more items of WEEE than any other UK industry sector, As the UK’s specialist lamp compliance scheme, we are continually looking at ways to increase recycling rates and raise awareness of the need to recycle.”
“Our membership has expanded significantly in the last 12 months, particularly amongst producers and importers in developing areas such as LEDs. Recolight offers the expertise and support that potential new members are looking for in a compliance scheme. They also recognise the importance of our open, free of charge recycling service. Our 1,000 strong network of collection points nationwide continues to offer a valuable business waste collection service to contractors and other businesses.
“As well as our success in dealing with business WEEE, we are continuing to invest in raising awareness of CFL recycling amongst consumers. Our partnership with Sainsbury’s has flourished; from five collection points at the end of 2009, there are now 240 Bulbstore Maxi containers in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide helping the public to recycle their end-of-life CFLs. Our recent partnership with Robert Dyas has added a further 100 new consumer collection points on to the high street in towns up and down the country. We’re actively reaching out to other retailers and local authorities and hope to bring more on board over the course of 2011, to increase consumer recycling rates.”
Harvey concluded: “We have also partnered with CoBRA to launch our volunteer-led collection scheme with a number of local authorities nationwide signing up to allow communities to recycle together, especially where access to recycling facilities is limited. We are looking forward to building upon these successes during 2011.”
Recolight now has a membership of over 80 producers and importers of lamps, including founder members Philips Lighting, Osram, GE Lighting and Havells-Sylvania.
[1] Actual figure of 0.395564 tonnes of mercury saved from landfill based on 4mg of mercury per lamp