Which lamps are covered by the WEEE Regulations?

Gas Discharge Lamps (GDLs) are included within the scope of these Regulations (category 13) and are identified under the Hazardous Waste regulations as hazardous waste.

Gas Discharge Lamps include:  

• Straight Fluorescent tubes
• Compact Fluorescent lamps
• High Intensity Discharge lamps
• High Pressure Sodium (SON) lamps, Metal Halide lamps
• Pressure Sodium (SOX) lamps

Most of these lamp types are used in both household and non-household applications. What are not included in the scope of WEEE are filament lamps such as standard light bulbs (known as GLS lamps) and Halogen lamps.

As of May 2009, LEDs and OLEDs have been classed by the Environment Agency as in scope for the WEEE regulations.  They will also be specifically named in the scope of the recast of the WEEE Directive, due to be finalised in 2011/12.

Recolight is focused on waste lamps only, Lumicom is the specialist compliance scheme for waste luminaires.

Luminaire is the term used to describe a complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps and also the parts which help to position, protect or connect the lamps.