The Haz Guide

With the move towards energy efficiency, traditional light bulbs are to be phased out under a voluntary initiative. Under this initiative the UK plans to phase these products out by 2011. This will mean the majority of householders and businesses will switch to fluorescent tubes and energy saving bulbs. Energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and contribute to tackling climate change because they use only a fifth to a quarter of the electricity of ordinary bulbs to generate the same amount of light.

CFLs are cost effective. Advice from the Energy Saving Trust suggests that because it will last up to 10 times longer than a traditional bulb, just one energy saving bulb could save up to £7 a year and could save around £60 before it needs replacing.

Fluorescent lighting tubes and fluorescent bulbs (energy-efficient light bulbs) contain mercury and should be stored in rigid containers to ensure that they are not broken. These containers can be supplied by specialist reprocessing companies that are also able to arrange for collection. Some containers may be suitable for external use, and should be lockable. Fluorescent tubes and gas discharge lamps can be recycled in the UK, visit Recolight for further details.

In order to avoid breakages, it is advisable that fluorescent tubes and bulbs are placed in storage containers at HWRCs by site staff wearing appropriate PPE. Members of the public should therefore be advised to contact site staff if wishing to deposit fluorescent tubes.
Gas discharge lamps will be subject to producer responsibility requirements under the WEEE Regulations. Free collections will be made by producers from HWRCs that are registered by their operators as DCF.

Local authorities should be aware that there may be an increase in disposal of energy saving (CFL) light bulbs at HWRCs. Defra has now published a factsheet providing advice on health and safety and disposal of CFLs. Some retailers will take them back in store, although most retailers have funded Designated Collection Facilities, primarily at local authority civic amenity sites.