Recolight analysis shows high recycling rate in luminaires

(UK) – Recolight has commissioned a detailed analysis to assess the recyclability if waste luminaires. The results show that more than 83% of a typical batch of luminaires can be recycled. To perform the analysis, Recolight contractec SWEEEP Kuusakoski, based in Sittingbourne in Kent, to treat a mixed sample of three tonnes of luminaires to establish the recycling and recovery rate of materials through their recycling process. Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey, said: “It was encouraging to learn that 83% of material recovered from our sample of three tonnes could be recycled. But it is disappointing that more than 14%, the plastic content, didn’t make the grade and was sent for waste to energy; a process that produces carbon emissions. “It is however pleasing to note that only 2% went to landfill because it was neither recyclable nor could be used to create energy.” With the bulk of material used for waste to energy being plastic, Recolight is calling for more incentives for manufacturers to include a proportion of plastic from recycled sources. The company would also like to see more manufacturers using plastic derived from recycling in the manufacture of new fittings in preference to using new plastic. www.recolight.co.uk