Research conducted by lamp recycling specialist Recolight has found the overwhelming majority of public sector organisations are not taking advantage of free lamp recycling services available to them. Currently, only 0.3% of public sector organisations benefit from free lamp recycling as a member of Recolight’s national network of collection points.
The research found only 9% of Recolight’s network of over 1,300 collection points is made up of public sector organisations. Although some smaller organisations do set up ad hoc collections with Recolight for their waste lamps, a large number of organisations which would generate enough lamps for regular collection are missing out of the costs savings available.
Of the public sector, local authorities are ahead in taking up the free lamp recycling service, with 11% opting to join the network. Major MOD sites are next with 10% using the service. The NHS and the education system are lagging behind in uptake, with only 0.2% of NHS hospitals and GP practices, and only 0.1% of schools, colleges and universities part of the network.
A certain number of public sector organisations outsource services to facilities management companies, which, if part of Recolight’s collection point network, should pass on the costs savings to the organisation.
If an organisation collects more than 1,000 lamps in six months, Recolight can provide a container, free of charge, and collect the lamps once the container is full. Collection and recycling of all waste lamps is completely free of charge including the full provision of consignment notes for duty of care purposes and access to fully accredited suppliers.
Recolight has a range of other free and convenient WEEE recycling options, depending on the amount of lamps collected each month. These options will be showcased at the upcoming Facilities Show at Stand 2B2.
Recolight’s customer service manager, Lyndsey Smith, commented: “Although it is encouraging to see that local authorities are realising the benefits of free lamp recycling, there are clearly many public sector organisations across the UK that are unnecessarily paying for their waste lamps to be recycled. We’re working hard to raise awareness of the options available and will be at the Facilities Show, taking place from 14-16 May, to answer any questions.”