Guidance

Crushing of fluorescent tubes at WEEE collection points

If you comply with the requirements in this regulatory position statement (RPS) you can crush waste fluorescent tubes at WEEE collection points without the need for an environmental permit.

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Following a consultation on the regulation of crushing lamps, the law relating to the crushing of fluorescent tubes is being changed from 2 January 2017 and the T17 exemption will include more restrictions. Most activities currently covered by that exemption will need to be carried out under an environmental permit in future. You will also need a permit to carry out the crushing of lamps at a collection point.

Applies to England

Documents

The crushing of fluorescent tubes at WEEE collection points: RPS 124

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Details

The T17 exemption specifies that the crushing must be carried out at the place of production. This means that WEEE collection points, sites established to encourage lamp recycling, are prevented from benefiting from the exemption.

The Environment Agency considers that the environmental risk of crushing at the place of production to be the same as crushing at WEEE collection points. We will therefore allow collection points to be registered for T17 activities provided businesses comply with the requirements of this regulatory position.

Published 27 March 2014