In 2016, consumers and professional users disposed of record volumes of old lamps and luminaires. Using Wecycle’s collection system, they have taken 3.9 kilograms to recycling stations, up 8% compared to last year. The amount of lamps and luminaires sold climbed as well, hence collection percentages remained unchanged: 46% for lamps and 21% as far as luminaires are involved.

In the previous year, LightRec took some very important steps in order to control a substantial leakage current: when demolishing and refurbishing (residential) properties an estimated 30% of all lighting equipment is released. So far most of this current has disappeared into waste or metal containers, however from now on it will be transferred to Wecycle instead in association with the industry.

Strategic challenges
The LED revolution prevails. The number of LED lights sold increased by 41% up to 21.5 million pieces. This revolution is presenting LightRec with challenges. First of all, the efficiency of the collecting and processing methods will be under pressure in case replacement by LED alternatives continues and the amount of fluorescent lights, low-energy/halogen lamps disposed of diminishes. This requires the further optimisation of the chain.

In addition, new processes and technologies will have to be developed to recover high-quality raw materials from minuscule LED lamps and integrated ledinaires. A third challenge involves legislation. As from next year, for the first time consumer luminaires too will come with an obligation to collect, and also consumers’ attention will need to be drawn to the necessity of delivering luminaires separately.

Healthy financial situation
LightRec’s income in 2016 rose beyond expectations, in fact by 6.5% up to € 7.4 million, as the market for lamps and luminaires continued to pick up, participating manufacturers and importers were paying more fees. Costs increased accordingly up to € 4.5 million, however less strongly than anticipated thanks to cost management, project timing and higher revenues from recovered metals.

Revenue increases and cost management provided room for adding € 1.9 million to the provision for processing future flows of old fluorescent and low-energy lamps.

European cooperation
LightRec has once again actively joined hands within EucoLight, the association of European collection systems dedicated to lamps. LightRec is represented within the logistics working group and also within the major policy working group, in which the position is determined at the political forums. The association was also represented at the annual EucoLight conference held in the French city of Chantilly, where the 18 participants discussed issues such as LED recycling systems, the recovery of rare earths and the impact of the WEEE directive.

Campaigns and awareness-raising programmes
On behalf of LightRec, last year several awareness-raising campaigns and initiatives were launched once again. Wecycle addressed the consumer market with collection programmes in municipal waste processing facilities and in nearly 1,000 building markets, DIY stores and garden centres. The collection tool for households, Jekko, has been delivered to 50,000 consumers. Fitters’ awareness has been raised through initiatives such as the ‘Gouden Bakkie’ Awards (these are presented to companies delivering large volumes) and the pop-up radio station known as “Bakkie Radio”.