Cllr Steve Gazzard

Residents can recycle their light bulbs at various locations across East Devon

East Devon District Council has further demonstrated its commitment to the environment through its collection boxes for the recycling of light bulbs.

It will be working alongside Recolight – a Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment compliance scheme for the lighting industry - and town and parish councils, to help residents recycle their low-energy bulbs.

The Collection Boxes, where residents can recycle their lightbulbs, can be found at various locations across East Devon including the reception areas of the District Council offices in Sidmouth, the town councils of Axminster, Honiton, Ottery St Mary and Exmouth. A Collection Box will also be found at the East Devon Business Centre and the new council offices at Blackdown House, Honiton, due to open in early 2019.

Residents will simply need to slot their lightbulbs through the top of the Collection Boxes.

In addition to protecting the environment, recycling lightbulbs will also be beneficial to human health. If they are sent for incineration, the mercury inside the lightbulbs has to be safely recovered from flue gases to prevent it getting into the air. Phosphor, which is also present in fluorescent bulbs, can also be toxic.

Recycling, therefore, is vital in order for the lightbulbs to be safely handled. Reco-light recover these harmful substances and reuse them to make new lamps.

Cllr Steve Gazzard, a district councillor for the Exmouth Withycombe Raleigh ward, said:

I'm really pleased that East Devon District Council offer the collection boxes for these lights.

Residents have been putting these bulbs containing a mercury, into their grey wheeled bins meaning they go for burning, so this is another good way for residents of East Devon to do even more recycling.

I'm extremely pleased.

Cllr Tom Wright, East Devon District Council's portfolio holder for the environment, said:

I fully endorse Cllr Gazzard's comments and am pleased that the council is able to offer these additional recycling facilities.

For more information on where residents can recycle their lightbulbs, go to http://eastdevon.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/reduce-reuse-recycle/recycle/light-bulbs-disposal/

Pictured is Cllr Gazzard with a collection box to recycle light bulbs.