The first phase of Open Collection Points (OCPs) within the Recolight collection network (RecoNet), are now being added to our website on a regular basis. The total network of OCPs is being built up in phases, reflecting the time it takes to get containers onto all registered sites. We now have around 200 being the current total number registered with us up to now, but we are looking for many more. New enquiries are being received and assessed each day so this number will continue to grow, which will enable us to make RecoNet coverage even more comprehensive on a national basis and there is no quota limit.
The requirements to become a Recolight Commercial Collection Point (CCP), 'Open 'or for 'Sole Use' for your business (i.e. 'Closed') are the same for all businesses involved in handling waste GDL's on a regular basis. Whatever the type of business you operate if you need to sort out Lamp Recycling services, then express an interest in registering as a Recolight-supported Commercial Collection Point, and please click on the link “Collection points – Registration” and follow the guidance to complete an on-line enquiry.
In addition to these OCPs Recolight supports a large number of other collection points registered in the RecoNet collection network so therefore if you are unable to find an OCP near you then other options you could consider are:
- Contact your current supplier(s) of lamps or recycling services and see if they are part of our RecoNet collection network or offer other collection options.
- Contact Recolight via info@recolight.co.uk who will be pleased to help.
Quicklink to Information on the Hazardous Waste Regulations.
Advice for Professional End Users related to the Safe Handling and Disposal of Gas Discharge Lamps before depositing at a Collection point
The following information is provided as general guidance only and, relating to the safe handling and disposal of Gas Discharge lamps at life-end. It applies to Fluorescent, Compact Fluorescent, Mercury Vapour, Low and High-pressure Sodium and Metal Halide lamps.
Please note that all enquirers should ultimately rely upon their own assessment (and if necessary, legal advice) in ensuring they comply with all regulatory and licensing requirements e.g. the relevant parts of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Personal Protective Equipment at Work) 1992 should also be consulted by the End User and risk assessments made as required.
Routine Handling
Lamps are made of glass and must be considered as fragile and gently handled at all times. Accordingly, eye protection and gloves should be worn during lamp changing or handling. When lamps have been removed from service the principal physical hazard is broken glass. Placing them in a suitable container protecting them from accidental mechanical breakage or scratching, will avoid glass fracture and possible ejected fragments.
Accidental Breakage
Hazardous substances can be released when some lamp types are broken, (such as a small amount of liquid Mercury, Mercury Amalgam pellets, Phosphor powder and/or solid Sodium, depending on the lamp type).
The following general recommendations are made for dealing with lamps that have been broken accidentally:
- In the event of an accidental breakage the debris should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Care is necessary to prevent injury from broken glass. For fluorescent lamps, the generation and inhalation of airborne dust must also be avoided.
- For low-pressure sodium lamps avoid skin and eye contamination with debris and prevent exposure to moisture.
NB. During clean up operations, or whenever there is a risk that there may be broken glass, it is a requirement of the Health and Safety at Work Regulations-Personal Protective Equipment at Work 1992 that eye protection is worn.
Lamp crushing on-site for volume reduction prior to transport and recycling is an alternative service that may be provided to some of our customers. The lamp crushing reduces the volume of whole lamps by up to 80%, enabling a vehicle to carry nearly five times the amount of whole lamps.
Controlled Breakage
We recommend that the deliberate breaking of Gas Discharge lamps only take place through an authorised and approved recycling process.