Risk to WEEE compliance as fluorescent tube recycling goes under the spotlight

FMs need to ensure electrical contractors are meeting the needs of fluorescent tube recycling or risk non compliance of WEEE Directive according to Pipekit, an independent plastic pipe distributor.

A recent survey, commissioned by Pipekit, to reflect the habits of electrical contractors  around the disposal of fluorescent tubes, revealed that just under half require better solutions for storing used fluorescent tubes.  Whilst one in four acknowledges that the lack of fit for purpose solutions is compromising their recycling habits and compliance with the WEEE Directive.

Commenting on the findings Martyn Rowlands, M.D of Pipekit said: “We implemented the market research as part of our N.P.D programme and it revealed that there was a definite   misalignment between the intention to recycle and the actual reality”.

He continued: “Our findings showed that despite there being a high knowledge and understanding of the WEEE directive and its compliance requirements, within the electrical contractor market, the lack of storage solutions and recycling opportunities were hampering safe disposal. Something the facility management sector needs to be aware of and act on to offer corporate and social responsibility to the process”.

40% of electrical contractors cited they still relied on boxes to store used tubes or just left them loose in vehicles prior to disposal. Despite the risk of tubes easily breaking and not being able to recycle them safely or at all.  Asked why, 50% cited a lack of readily available, fit for purpose storage solutions, as the main reason.

In direct response to the market research findings, Pipekit has launched a purpose designed tube storage solution to help meet the needs of the market.  Tubester is manufactured by Pipekit from robust recyclable HDPE twin walled tube. Available as standard in 1.8M and 2.4M variants.  Other lengths are available on request.  Tubester comes fitted with robust end caps, one of which is removable for ease of opening and safe containment.

Martyn continues: “We have started to sell Tubester online and over the counter at Pipekit and despite it being early in the product’s development, interest is high.  We plan to push it out to other distributors in the near future and hope this product will help support the recycling process and facilitate compliance of the WEEE Directive for all sectors going forward”.

The survey also revealed that 80% of electrical contractors stated that there needs to be more recycling outlets available to make the disposal of tubes easier and help drive recycling rates higher.

For more information log onto: www.pipekit.co.uk. Chat online or call on: 01743 860088.   Or email: enquiries@pipekit.co.uk