International Dark Sky Week is a global event that takes place every year to raise awareness about the negative impact of light pollution on the environment and human health. It is a week-long celebration of the beauty of the night sky and an opportunity to educate people about the importance of preserving it. Light pollution, caused by excessive or poorly designed outdoor lighting, has far-reaching consequences that are harmful to both wildlife and human health. It disrupts natural ecosystems and can lead to a range of health issues, including sleep disruption and circadian rhythm disorders.
The dark sky movement is a growing global effort to combat light pollution and bring better lighting to communities around the world. By promoting responsible lighting practices, the movement aims to reduce the negative impact of artificial light on the environment while also enhancing our experience of the night sky.
During International Dark Sky Week, individuals and organizations come together to participate in a range of activities aimed at promoting the importance of dark skies. These activities include stargazing events, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. By participating in International Dark Sky Week and supporting the dark sky movement, we can help ensure that the night sky remains a source of inspiration and wonder for generations to come. Together, we can work towards a future where all life can thrive under the beauty of a dark, starry sky.
The dark sky movement
So what is light pollution?
Any artificial light that is not needed is a pollutant that has serious and harmful consequences.
Light pollution can:
- disrupt wildlife
- impact human health
- waste money and energy
- contribute to climate change
- block our view of the universe
Light pollution is increasing at 2x rate of population growth and 83% of the global population lives under a light-polluted sky.
the ROHS Directive
the lamp ban
As the European Union takes steps to reduce the impact of climate change and address hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment, the ROHS Directive has established guidelines for the phase-out of mercury-containing and inefficient lamps from the market. This regulation will come into effect in 2023, and as a result, such lamps will no longer be allowed for distribution within the EU.
This upcoming Regulation is directly related to the preservation of the environment and highlights the importance of responsible waste management. In this context, the International Dark Sky Week (IDSW) is a global event that also emphasizes the significance of preserving the environment by reducing light pollution.
To mark IDSW, Waste Experts, the premier collector and recycler of lamps in the United Kingdom, is committed to providing comprehensive support to all businesses that are facing challenges related to the impending lamp ban. We offer a variety of compliant storage solutions for the safe on-site retention of lamps, as well as an unparalleled nationwide collection service. Waste Experts is dedicated to assisting their clients in achieving compliance with the Directive while fulfilling their environmental responsibilities.
IDSW and the ROHS Directive share a common goal of promoting responsible waste management and reducing the negative impact on the environment. By adhering to the guidelines of the Directive, businesses can contribute towards a more sustainable future, where the beauty of the night sky can be preserved for generations to come.
moving forward
The key dates that you need to know about...
“The RoHS Directive, or Restriction of the use of Hazardous Substances, pertains to the prohibition of the utilization of hazardous substances in electrical equipment. Specifically, the directive prohibits the use of mercury in lamps.
While previously there were exemptions for certain types of lamps, such as T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, and special purpose lamps, these exemptions have been revised as per Annex III of the Directive.
This amendment has resulted in the cessation of production of a significant number of fluorescent lamps. It is imperative for organisations to stay informed and compliant.
Promoting Sustainable Alternatives:
- More Energy Efficient: LED lighting has been proven to be significantly more energy efficient in comparison to traditional fluorescent lighting options. By replacing all bulbs with LEDs, it is estimated that power consumption can be conservatively reduced by up to 60%. This is a direct result of the advanced energy-saving technologies incorporated in the production of LED bulbs, which have surpassed those of fluorescent tubes.
- Longer Life Expectancy: LED lighting has a significantly longer lifespan than traditional fluorescent lighting. On average, the lifespan of an LED bulb is two to four times longer than that of a fluorescent bulb, which means that it requires less frequent replacement, resulting in reduced maintenance costs. This is due to the fact that LED technology does not rely on filament or gas that can burn out or degrade over time, instead it uses a semiconductor to convert electricity into light. This technology is more durable and has a much longer lifespan than the traditional lighting options, making it a more efficient solution in the long run.
- More Cost-Effective: While the upfront cost of purchasing LED lighting may be higher than traditional lighting options, the long-term cost savings and benefits make it a more financially viable option. The energy efficiency of LED lighting results in substantial cost savings on electricity bills over time, and the longer lifespan of the bulbs means that the need for frequent replacement and maintenance is greatly reduced. This results in lower long-term maintenance costs and a more cost-effective overall solution. Additionally, the energy savings from LED lighting can also contribute to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, providing not only financial but also environmental benefits.
- Better for the Environment: LED lighting technology is environmentally friendly in comparison to traditional linear fluorescent tubes. Unlike fluorescent tubes, LED lights do not contain any mercury, a toxic heavy metal that is harmful to human health and the environment. Fluorescent tubes, on the other hand, contain small amounts of mercury that can be released into the environment when the tubes are broken, disposed of improperly, or not recycled. This poses a risk of contamination to both human health and the environment. LED lighting eliminates this concern, providing a safer and more sustainable lighting solution for both individuals and the environment.
- Instant On: LED lighting provides added convenience and flexibility in its instant-on functionality. Unlike traditional lighting options, there is no need to wait for the flickering to stop before the light reaches its full brightness. Additionally, the frequent switching on and off of LED bulbs does not have any detrimental impact on their lifespan, which means that the lighting can be adjusted to suit the needs of the space and its occupants with minimal impact on the longevity of the bulbs. This feature is particularly beneficial for spaces that require frequent adjustments to lighting levels, such as conference rooms, classrooms or retail spaces, as it allows for greater control over the ambient lighting without the need for concern about the negative effects on the longevity of the bulbs.
Supporting the Circular Economy
- Compliant Storage: Correct storage of waste lamps is essential to prevent exposure to the elements and minimize the risk of mercury vapor entering the atmosphere. To ensure compliance with Regulations, it is essential that waste lamps are stored in weatherproof and airtight containers. Waste Experts offers a comprehensive range of container solutions to meet the diverse needs of all lamp types and volumes. Our containers are specially designed to provide secure and safe storage for waste lamps and ensure that they are not exposed to the elements. For further details on our container solutions, kindly refer to the brochure attached or contact us for more information.
- Nationwide Collections: At Waste Experts, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide a comprehensive and efficient collection service to our clients. We have one of the largest fleets of vehicles in the UK, ranging from sprinter vans to articulated lorries, and every size in between. This allows us to cover a wider area and provide our services to a larger number of clients. Our extensive fleet enables us to collect waste quickly and efficiently from your site within 7-10 working days and transport it to our state-of-the-art treatment facility for compliant disposal. Our commitment to providing the highest level of service and ensuring compliance with regulations, makes us one of the most reliable service providers in the market.
- Advanced Treatment: Waste Experts operates a state-of-the-art lamp treatment facility that is recognised as a leading training and benchmarking centre for the Environment Agency and DEFRA. Our facility is an Approved Authorized Treatment Facility (AATF) and is equipped with advanced mercury abatement systems that ensure compliance with regulations. We are the only lamp recycler in the market to have a WEEE plant, which allows us to process both fluorescent and LED lamps under the same roof, making our facility one of the most advanced and efficient in the industry. Our reputation for providing the highest level of service, coupled with our commitment to environmental protection, makes us the preferred partner for many businesses and organisations.
- Circular Economy: At Waste Experts, we are committed to achieving the highest level of recycling and recovery for the waste materials we collect. Our primary focus is on maximising our recycling and recovery outputs, and we are proud to operate at a 96% recycling rate for lamps. This is a testament to our dedication to environmental sustainability and our commitment to preserving natural resources. We are consistently investing in the latest technologies and advanced practices to improve our recycling rate further, and to ensure that we are providing the most efficient and effective service to our clients. We believe that by minimising waste and maximising recycling, we can help to preserve our planet for future generations.
