As the European Union continues its efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change and address the presence of 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. Effective from specified dates in 2023, these lamps will no longer be permitted for distribution within the EU.
In light of this upcoming Regulation, Waste Experts, as the premier collector and recycler of lamps in the United Kingdom, is committed to providing comprehensive support to all businesses facing challenges related to the impending lamp ban. Our offerings include a variety of compliant storage solutions for the safe on-site retention of lamps, as well as an unparalleled nationwide collection service. We strive to assist our clients in achieving compliance with the Directive while fulfilling their environmental responsibilities.
Key dates:
“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 with such regulations to ensure the safety and sustainability of our environment.”
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.
