The solution for large-volume product generation – LightRecycle Saving energy for the future by helping to engineer quality British Columbia, a recycling trailblazer British Columbians are known for their dedication to environmental sustainability. For over 40 years, B.C. led soft drink and beer container recycling programs. Since then, 14 other industry-led programs have been developed and launched, making B.C. a recycling leader. In addition to beverage containers, British Columbians have many recycling options, such as paint, smoke alarms, house hazardous waste, electronics, small appliances, and light bulbs.
LightRecycle LightRecycle™ is a family of recycling programs operated by Product Care Association (ReGeneration to consumers). The goal of the program is to prevent burnt-out or unwanted lighting products from entering landfills. In 2010, LightRecycle started to accept residential-use fluorescent lights (bulbs and tubes). Since October 2012, B.C. accepts all lighting products free of charge at collection sites across the province. The types of accepted products include all types of light bulbs and tubes, ballasts, and light fixtures from commercial, residential, and industrial applications. The LightRecycle program proudly collected over 12.5 million lights in B.C. so far!
LightRecycle collection options Consumers Homeowners or consumers with small quantities are able to drop off their used bulbs at over 300 collection sites across the province. Large volume generators Large volume generators can also qualify for a free pickup with the LightRecycle program. LightRecycle can recycle light bulbs, tubes, fixtures and ballasts for free, providing the required quantities are met. Large volume generators may qualify if: • They are a large institution, school, business, contractor, relamper, or building manager. • They typically generate or generated at least one full pallet of whole bulbs. What types of bulbs? • 750 four-foot fluorescent tubes 52
Ops Talk • Spring 2016
• 1,200 CFLs • 600 HID light bulbs • A combination of light types that would equal to the same volume Light bulbs and tubes All types of light bulbs and tubes from high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs to fluorescent tubes can be recycled for free. The LightRecycle program also includes a growing network of collection sites that accept less than a pallet of whole lights. Ballasts Lighting ballasts are replaceable components designed to regulate or transfer the electrical current/energy in a lighting fixture. They may be present in fluorescent and other vapour lamps/lighting fixtures in your place of business or community institutions. Ballasts that do not contain PCB oils are accepted. PCB-Containing Ballasts Ballasts manufactured before 1980 may contain Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB)-based oils for cooling or insulation. PCB-containing lighting ballasts require special handling. LightRecycle will pick up PCB-containing ballasts directly from large volume generators for free. These products must be identified and separated from non-PCB containing ballasts. They should not be taken to LightRecycle collection sites. Lighting fixtures Lighting fixtures are recycled at scrap metal recycling sites. Large volume generators that deliver their fixtures to collection sites will be paid for scrap metal depending on the product and material type. As scrap metal is a market-driven commodity, LightRecycle does not set the price paid by recyclers.
Program information For general information about the LightRecycle program, including where to locate collection sites, learn more about accepted lighting products, or to apply for the large volume generator program, visit us online at lightrecycle.ca. Other inquiries about other special recycling products can be answered at regeneration.ca. p
