Light bulb phase out prompts recycling push

With the increase in use of low-energy light bulbs, Shropshire Council is urging residents to recycle their used bulbs instead of throwing them away.

Shropshire Council and its contractor, Veolia, which runs the five household recycling centres across the county, are raising awareness of low-energy light bulb recycling this week to coincide with the latest stage in a Europe-wide phase out of traditional bulbs.

A European ban on old-fashioned 60 Watt incandescent bulbs took effect from Thursday 1 September 2011, meaning they will no longer be sold in shops.

The ban is the latest stage in a gradual phase out of all ‘traditional’ light bulbs, which is expected to lead to a sharp rise in the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) – more commonly known as low-energy light bulbs.  These bulbs are covered by environmental regulations that mean their manufacturers are obligated to fund their recycling.

Councillor John Hurst-Knight, cabinet member for waste at Shropshire Council, said:

“To save energy, low-energy light bulbs are becoming more common in our homes so we want to remind people about the importance of recycling them.  All you need to do is take them with you next time you make a trip to your local household recycling centre.”

The bulbs and long tubes contain mercury, and as such are classed as hazardous waste, making it especially important that they are diverted from landfill.

Currently the main way for residents to recycle low-energy bulbs is via the council’s household recycling centres, although increasingly retailers such as Sainsbury’s and Homebase also provide recycling facilities at their stores.

Further notes

Shropshire Council owns five household recycling centres.  These are manned facilities where people can recycle 30 different types of waste.  They are operated by the council’s contractor, Veolia, and are based at:

• Shrewsbury (Battlefield Enterprise Park)

• Oswestry (Mile Oak Industrial Estate)

• Bridgnorth (Barnsley Lane)

• Whitchurch (Waymills Civic Park)

• Craven Arms (off Long Lane)

Summer opening times (March to October):

• Monday to Friday – 9am to 7pm

• Weekends & bank holidays – 9am to 6pm

Winter opening times (October to March):

• Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm

• Weekends & bank holidays – 9am to 5pm