Compared to specification, selection and installment of lighting fixtures, recycling appears to have attracted less attention from those who aspire for jobs in lighting. However, luminaire recycling is crucial as businesses try to enhance energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness. From removal and storage of lights to their collection and eventual recycling, the whole process can be considerably fine-tuned.

Various pilot trials were recently conducted to explore ways in which recycling of waste street lighting lanterns may be improved. The aim is to ensure that end-of-life lanterns are sent for recycling using an accredited waste management infrastructure. It is the responsibility of those with jobs in lighting to eliminate the double handling of waste lanterns by using the same containers for storage that new lanterns are supplied in, therefore recycling packaging as well as lanterns. Once the waste lanterns are packed, they can be stored away for collection and recycling.

Another important task faced by those with jobs in lighting is to reduce the amount of transportation, thus minimizing the carbon footprint of the entire operation. This can be achieved by grouping together waste lanterns from various storage facilities so that only one full load needs to be shipped away.

Results of the trials are promising, saving a significant amount of time for those with jobs in lighting. Lighting suppliers, business owners and waste management companies alike have assessed details of their involvement and suggested ways to introduce improvements. Both storage and collection processes are greatly optimised.