Recolight supports foundation of new European trade association of WEEE lighting compliance schemes, EucoLight
A new European association focused on WEEE in the lighting sector has been established. EucoLight has been created to give a voice to WEEE compliance schemes that are specialised in managing the collection and recycling of lamps and luminaires.
The WEEE directive, as recast, probably has greater impact on lighting than on any other industry sector. There is probably a greater number of lamps recycled in Europe than all other types of electrical equipment. Furthermore, unlike most other items of WEEE there is no value associated with waste lamps. Most lamps are also fragile and hazardous, making them difficult to transport, and requiring specialist recycling facilities.
Brussels based EucoLight has been established to respond positively to these challenges, and to engage effectively with other European bodies and trade associations. EucoLight will work to enhance the regulatory framework for lighting waste and the associated level playing field, support the development of appropriate international standards, provide guidance and support to its members, all within the context of ambitious lamp recycling collection rates.
EucoLight was founded by Recolight, and three other compliance schemes based in Spain, Italy, and Denmark. Welcoming the news, Nigel Harvey, Chief Executive of Recolight, who has also been elected to the board of EucoLight said: “There are a number of changes to WEEE being considered at a European level. EucoLight will work to ensure that those changes are appropriate for the lighting industry. I am delighted to be on the board and to support the on going work of the lighting industry at a European level.”
EucoLight membership is open to any WEEE compliance scheme that fulfils EucoLight criteria. WEEE schemes from a total of 15 different EU member states have already applied.
Further details can be obtained at www.eucolight.org or by contacting the Secretary General, Marc Guiraud .
About EucoLight:
EucoLight is The European association of collection and recycling organisations for WEEE lamps and lighting. On behalf of its 19 members, EucoLight engages with everything related to the WEEE Directive, legislations and standards affecting the collection and recycling of WEEE lighting.
EucoLight is the voice of European WEEE compliance schemes specialised in managing the collection and recycling of WEEE lighting; working to make the circular economy a reality for lighting products.
Founded mid-2015, EucoLight has quickly embarked into constructive dialogue with relevant stakeholders to provide expertise in the field of management and treatment of WEEE lighting and to promote the positive role of Extended Producer Responsibility schemes on the environment and society.
