Professional Documents
Culture Documents
CFL Recovering, Recycling and Disposal - Implementation Guideline
CFL Recovering, Recycling and Disposal - Implementation Guideline
CFL Recovering, Recycling and Disposal - Implementation Guideline
Environment considered
Increasing environmental consciousness, the prominence of climate change concerns and energy constraints globally have prompted an intensified focus on energy efficiency measures, resulting in a significant increase in the usage of CFLs.
Distinct roles and responsibilities arise for all stakeholders conducting any management activities related to both the disposal of spent CFLs to a hazardous landfill (short-term intervention) or to a recycling facility (longterm intervention). The short-term interventions include separation at source, drop-off centres, collection, storage and treatment, then transportation to a hazardous landfill for disposal, as an immediate solution. Long-term interventions, which in time should replace short-term activities, will instead of disposal require the recycling of as many of the constituent materials of the spent CFLs as possible and setting out the relevant responsibilities. Each of these steps is set out on the next page, and the key roles and responsibilities of the parties concerned with the managementof spent CFL waste, are discussed.
No mercury released No mercury in transport released in storage Suitable container to prevent breakage Consumer/ Householder Safe intermediate storage Authorised drop-off centre owner/manager Refer separate legislative overview
No mercury released in transport Safe bulk transportation in suitable containers Authorised transporter Refer separate legislative overview
No mercury released Environmentallysound practice/ technology Authorised service provider Refer separate legislative overview
No mercury released No mercury released and no contaminated components Environmentallysound practice Licensed facility owner or manager Refer separate legislative overview Environmentallysound practice/ technology Licensed facility owner or manager Refer separate legislative overview
Refer separate Relevant bylaws, legislative NEMA and Waste Bill overview
Extensive general education and awareness regarding waste and recycling. Specific communication support including labeling of packaging and clear signage of premises. Collaboration and integration with relevant stakeholders are essential. Type and volumes received Volumes transported
None
None
Volumes treated
Volumes landfilled
Volumes recycled
Not required
Not required
Required
Required
Required
Required
Required
* Indication of the responsibilities and involvement foreseen for a funding and administration oversight entity Hg = mercury
The outgrowth of conservation, the inevitable result, is national efficiency. - Gifford Pinchot
Consumer Responsibilities
Because CFLs are fragile, and broken glass and the mercury content present a health and safety risk, recovery from the waste stream after disposal is not feasible. CFLs should therefore not be thrown into the regular waste bin, but rather be kept separate and stored safely until an opportunity for disposal is available. The success of a CFL recovery initiative is entirely dependent on participation by the householder or residential consumer. A guideline for safe and effective householder participation is provided here:
Separation at source
Personal health
Intact CFLs emit no mercury and pose absolutely no health risk. In the case of accidental breakage, the amount of mercury inside an individual lamp is too small to cause any health risk, but it is still good practice to minimise any unnecessary exposure to mercury, as well as risk of cuts from glass fragments. A very infor mative and detailed discussion on risks of broken CFLs can be found at: www.treehugger.com/ files/2007/05/ask _treehugger_14.php
Consumer Best Practice Objective No CFLs are to be disposed of at a landfill for general household waste. Additional Information General landfill sites are not designed to accommodate the release of mercury. Mercury needs to be treated (encapsulated in concrete or similar) to prevent leaching and release into the environment (e.g. atmosphere or groundwater). The Minimum Requirements state that hazardous waste must go to a hazardous landfill site. Check with the local municipalitys department of solid waste management for suitable local requirements or solutions for hazardous household waste. Ideally CFLs should not be broken and should be placed in their original packaging or wrapped in a plastic bag. Advice on cleaning up broken fluorescent lamps is freely available on the Internet and also on Eskoms website at: http://www.eskomdsm.co.za/?q=CFL_Recovery. At present Woolworths and Pick n Pay stores offer CFL collection points. Pick n Pay also accepts household batteries for disposal and recycling. Check with your local council for any other options for disposal of household hazardous wastes such as empty containers or leftover thinners, paints, poisons, batteries, etc.
Legislation
Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste Disposal (www.dwaf.gov.za/Dir_WQM/docs/Pol_ Hazardous.pdf) and any relevant municipal bylaws. Do not throw CFLs away with your domestic waste. Keep CFLs separate until you can safely take them to a drop off/collection point. In the event of breakage, special care must be taken to clean up and contain mercury powder and glass shards.
CFLs can be taken to participating retailers and collection points in your area.
Spent CFLs should ideally arrive at a drop-off point It is recommended that packaging in which CFLs are bought unbroken. The lamps should therefore be securely is kept and used for this purpose. Alternatively, packaging of packaged in a safe container for storage and transport. replacement lamps can be used if readily available.
Municipal Responsibility
The recovery of most household hazardous wastes from the waste stream after disposal is a challenge and presents the risk of repeat exposure to any person tasked with extraction of recyclable waste (whether at a material recovery facility or less formally from bins on sidewalks or at a landfill). Municipalities should lead the drive to encourage a culture of separation of waste at the home for ALL wastes for which a recovery solution is being offered or a market exists. Establishing a habit of waste separation among South Africans is essential for any waste minimisation and recycling efforts in future.
Municipality Best Practice Prevent disposal at the local general landfill facility. CFLs must be kept away from other waste at point of generation by the homeowner. Municipal functions are guided by the Municipal Systems Act, NEMA and the Minimum Requirements for general landfill and hazardous waste. Additional Information
Separation at source
Relevant contacts
The City of Cape Town, Cleanest City in South Africa 2007, has done extensive work on waste related education and awareness efforts (e.g.WasteWise campaign) that could be of value to other Municipalities. You may find information on their website (www. capetown.gov.za/en/solidwaste) or can direct enquiries to: Solid Waste Management Department +27 (0)860 103 089 or email
wastewise.user@capetown.gov.za
Objective
Municipalities should proactively encourage separation at source of all recyclable and hazardous household wastes including specifically CFLs.
Legislation
Waste separation is an important step in the Government drive for waste minimisation and key to achieving the waste hierarchy: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle.
Educate and create awareness among the public regarding the need for waste separation and specifically the need for separating CFLs and other hazardous wastes from the waste stream.
Have available and provide information (e.g. with billing information and/or on enquiry) of local recycling and recovery initiatives such as paper and glass banks, recycling collection services, eWASTE collection points or initiatives and particularly participating retailers that accept CFLs (refer to drop-off centre component of this guideline).
Industry Responsibility
A communication strategy is part of the requirements of an Industry Waste Management Plan as described in the Waste Management Bill (pending enactment, expected early 2009). Any Industry Waste Management plan for fluorescent lamps would rely heavily on participation, and hence the awareness of homeowners. The lighting industry would therefore have an obligation to collaborate with other stakeholders in creating awareness and educating the public about waste separation.
Separation at source
Industry activity
Select industr y player s are actively addressing lighting waste internationally and some have already taken an active lead in the CFL recovery efforts in South Africa.You can obtain information from these suppliers directly or read more on their websites: Philips: +27 (0)87 940 4194 or +27 (0)11 471 5065 or www.philips.com/about/ sustainability/recycling or refer to page 14 for others.
Industry Best Practice Objective Prevent the disposal of CFLs and other fluorescent lamps with other households waste in order to facilitate recovery. Industrys involvement will be most effectively governed under the pending Waste Management Bill, a subset of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA). CFL packaging should be labeled appropriately to educate consumers regarding mercury content and handling of CFL waste. Call centre details to be provided on packaging and call centres should be empowered to deal with enquiries relating to safe disposal and handling of CFL waste. Although the Extended Producer Responsibility principle is already entrenched in existing legislation, the enactment of the Waste Management Bill and a Government request for an Industry Waste Management Plan will force active industry involvement with lighting waste. Different graphics with supporting text could be used to educate the consumer about mercury content and requirements for safe disposal or recycling as appropriate. Labels should be clearly visible and understandable. A collaborative effort among lighting suppliers can address all these calls or alternatively existing call centres can be briefed to deal with these questions. Additional Information
Legislation
Labeling should ideally highlight the opportunity for re-use of packaging material Consumers should be encouraged to re-use packaging material for safe (assumed optimal format to prevent storage and transport of spent CFLs. breakage of lamps).
Separation at source
Relevant contacts
Relevant DEAT Directorates and contacts include, among others:
Legislation
Emphasis should be placed on the importance of appropriate handling of hazardous household waste among all role players and every entity under legal obligation to comply.
Overall education relating to waste, recycling and hazardous household waste has been identified during public consultation as an imperative since existing awareness levels are extremely low. Education with regard to the benefits of using energy saver lamps should also form part of communications.
1. Directorate: Waste Stream Management, Ms Dee Fisher +27 (0)12 310 3527, dfisher@deat.gov.za 2. Directorate: Waste Policy & Information Management, Mr Obed Baloyi +27 (0)12 310 3833, obaloyi@deat.gov.za
Consumer Responsibility
In the absence of a separate sidewalk collection service, consumer participation will necessarily include transportation of CFLs to a local collection point. This is aligned with international practice where residential consumers are generally required to deliver spent CFLs and other hazardous household wastes (e.g. batteries) to central locations including participating retailers and collection bins. Suggested practices for safe transportation are provided below:
Consumer Best Practice Objective To ensure safe transportation of spent CFLs to a drop-off centre or mobile unit. Additional Information
Private Transportation
Relevant contacts
eWaste service providers and recycling companies provide collection services that sometimes include hazardous household waste . Ser vice provider s or participants in your area may be listed with: 1. eWASA (National): +27 (0)11 312 3605 or www.ewasa.org 2. Urban Sprout Eco-Directory: www.urbansprout.co.za 3. Faithful to Nature Eco-Directory: www.faithful-to-nature. co.za/ directory
Legislation
Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Usually applicable to bulk carriers of hazardous materials. Safe Waste Disposal, National Transportation Act. keeping of small quantities to prevent breakage required.
Ideally CFLs should not be broken during transit. CFLs must be transported carefully in a manner that will prevent breakage and minimise the risk to handlers for delivery to a suitable disposal or collection point.
It is suggested that CFLs be placed in their original packaging or empty packaging of replacement lamps or wrapped in a sealable (heavy/thick) plastic bag. Transport household hazardous waste in the rear of the vehicle, ideally packed securely in the vehicle to prevent crushing and do not store in the vehicle for extended periods.
If during transit a CFL does break, open your windows immediately and pull over at the nearest safe location. Once air has been circulated, put CFL in a plastic bag and drop off at the nearest drop-off centre.
Also wipe the car with a damp cloth and dispose of any remaining glass fragments at your earliest convenience. Containment of the lamps in a plastic bag will contain any pieces and will greatly simplify the cleaning up.
Muncipal Responsibility
Where separate collection services for household hazardous waste are not provided, collection days or collection events held regularly at suitable locations have become very popular among local municipalities internationally. Municipalities have implemented pilot studies for separate sidewalk collection services of select wastes, including recyclables, across South Africa.The following guideline is therefore aimed at guiding any municipalities that do get involved in the collection and transport of household hazardous waste, including CFLs.
Municipality Best Practice Objective To ensure safe transportation of spent CFLs to a drop-off centre or mobile unit. Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste Disposal, National Transportation Act. A municipality may be involved in the transportation of spent CFLs by implementing a contract with a private company. It is essential that the private company makes use of specific crates which prevent the breakage of spent CFLs. Vehicles must be roadworthy and appropriate and in accordance with the National Traffic Act (GNR. 225) requirements. The applicable TREM decals must be displayed on the vehicles and provide correct details. The driver(s) of the vehicle(s) must be qualified, trained and hazardous waste certified to transport hazardous goods. In the event of breakage or spillage, all personnel must leave the vehicle immediately and contact the incident team. Personnel must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times. Usually applicable to bulk carriers of hazardous materials. Safe-keeping of small quantities to prevent breakage is required. Spent CFLs must be transported in such a manner that the breakage of CFLs is prevented and that, in the case of breakage, no mercury leakage emanates from the transportation containment. Additional Information
Legislation
11
Private Transportation
Relevant contacts
No ser vice provider s are currently known to provide collection services for CFLs from households, but service providers that collect from commercial properties may be available to assist at a fee. The following service providers are active in the commercial market: 1. Nova Lighting 2. Lumino 3. Actebis Refer to Treatment Section of this guideline for the contact details.
Legislation
Consumer Responsibility
The sustainability of a collection point network for spent CFLs in South Africa is dependent on the level of participation by the public. South Africans are therefore encouraged to make use of the facilities provided by retailers and any other participants and also to use these facilities responsibly. The practices described below are therefore aimed at guiding participation by consumers.
Consumer Responsibility Best Practice Objective Safely deposit all failed CFLs at participating collection points or drop-off centres. Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste Disposal, any relevant municipal bylaws. Deliver CFLs intact to participating collection points or drop-off centres and deposit into the dedicated container provided. Ideally the spent CFL should arrive unbroken and in its original packaging or wrapped/sealed in a plastic bag. Deposit CFLs into the collection bin which should be clearly marked and secure unless specifically instructed otherwise at the specific drop-off centre. Handle spent CFLs carefully to prevent breakage. Children should be kept away from the collection bins and discouraged to play with or around these facilities. Replace failed CFLs with a suitable replacement.
13
Additional Information
Drop-off Centres
Relevant contacts
The following collection points are available to consumers wanting to participate: 1. Pick n Pay stores nationwide. Contact Pick n Pay for your closest store on +27 (0)800 11 22 88 or visit their website: www.picknpay.co.za 2. Select Woolworths stores nationwide. Contact Woolworths for participating stores on +27 (0)860 100 987 or visit their website: www.woolworths.co.za
Legislation
CFL Selection
The choice of a new CFL requires some consideration: - Required brightness of the light (represented by the wattage). - The desired colouring of the lamp (represented by the Kelvin value and described as either
warm white or cool white) or alternatively can be coloured lighting/glass, such as red or blue. - The appropriate fitting i.e. screw-in or bayonet. - Whether the lamp should be dimmable or not and whether it should function with a motion sensor (often required for external or security applications).
Drop-off Centres
Permissible storage
Current legislation requires: 1. Permitting of a collection/ drop-off facility to act as a temporary waste storage facility. 2. At least a Basic Assessment is done towards a full EIA. Indications from DEAT are that the Waste Management Act and related regulations will make allowance for temporary storage and recovery activities handling small quantities of hazardous waste to be exempted from the requirements for a license (see page 18 for details).
Drop-off Centre Facilities Best Practice To host a clearly marked and safe drop-off facility. To ensure that CFLs are temporarily stored in a manner that is not harmful to the individual housholder, the public or the environment. To provide a convenient point for the consumer to return their spent CFLs. To provide a permanent or temporary point for waste transporters to collect spent CFLs en masse. Legislation Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste Disposal new EIA Regulations. A suitable container of sufficient size that can safely accommodate the volumes of CFL waste dropped off. A sufficient area of floor space to accommodate the container and to allow access and ventilation if required. Drop-off containers should be positioned in a prominent and easily accessible location that is clearly marked. Additional overflow storage capacity needs to be provided by drop-off centre hosts for the safe storage of full containers. The correct permit/license or exemption from such a license must be obtained where applicable (i.e. where waste volumes exceed the permissible concentrations and maximum allowed weights).
Additional Information
Objective
It is anticipated that drop-off points will form part of an ever expanding network of CFL collection infrastructure. Refer to the legal overview for specific acts, clauses and regulations of interest.
Typically a minimum of 1m2 space is required. Location in a store would ideally be either at the sales point for new CFLs, at the till or close to the exit as part of a recycling street that also enables consumers to return other waste items such as plastic bottles etc. Additional storage is required to accommodate any delays for the pick-up of the spent CFLs by specialised treatment, disposal or recycling service providers. Whilst there is ongoing engagement with DEAT to resolve possible exemptions, it is suggested that in the interim, facilities are managed responsibly in accordance with these guidelines.
15
Drop-off Centres
Relevant contacts
Hazmat provides a national 24-hour spill response service. Hazmat can be contacted incase of emergency toll free at: 0800 00 58 17 or for enquiries contact the head office at +27 (0)33 386 2264 or email: ian@hazclean.co.za Alternatively visit their website at: www.24hourspillresponse.co.za.
Collection frequency must be commensurate Collection frequency can either be based on an actual needs base with the volumes of CFL waste actually dropped (when bin is full) or can be at regular intervals throughout the collection off and generated within the retail store. period (e.g. every fortnight). The drop-off centre/collection facility may not be left unattended at any time. At least one employee should be present on site/in-store and should be identified as the individual responsible for CFL collection. Containers must be inspected regularly for level and other problems e.g. mercury contamination from broken bulbs and their overall functionality. Drop-off centres cannot take the format of a glass bank left unattended in a parking area. The delegated responsibility is particularly important in the case of spillage or breakage.
Industry Responsibility
The voluntary initiation of CFL collection points by retailers in South Africa is an important step towards a national CFL recovery network. Maintaining the momentum created by these initiatives should be a priority for all stakeholders, including the lighting industry. Operating collection centres will constitute a key component of a functional Industry Waste Management Plan and hence would be of particular interest to the lighting industry.
Drop-off Centres
Permissible storage
(Continued from page 15) Lighting suppliers that have demonstrated commitment to the management of the full product life cycle of CFLs, locally or globally: 1. Osram: www.osram.co.za 2. Eurolux: +27 (0)21 528 8400 or +27 (0)11 608 2970 www.eurolux.co.za
It is not expected that industry players will host their own drop-off points but should any lighting supplier be interested in hosting such a facility, the guidelines for drop-off facilities (refer to preceding section) will be relevant. The guideline below is aimed at industry in their role as supporter of drop-off centres.
Industry Best Practice Additional Information Support the establishment of safe, convenient and legally compliant drop-off centres that will facilitate the recovery of CFLs. Ensure the sustainability of drop-off centre for CFLs. Legislation Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste Disposal new EIA regulations, Waste Management Bill. Assist with creating public awareness in terms of CFL drop-off centres. How to support drop-off centres Support the establishment of safe, convenient and legally compliant drop-off centres that will facilitate the recovery of CFLs. Encourage the use of drop-off centres. Financial, logistical and administrative support are all required to ensure a sustainable solution. Several oportunities arise such as linked sales promotions and discounts on replacement CFLs linked to the return of failed lamps. Refer to legal overview for specific acts, clauses and regulations of interest.
Objective
17
Additional Information
Drop-off Centres
International experience
In the US, local governments have reached out to local retailers to host collection points. Information and examples of bins, posters and collection points can be found on the websites of: - IKEA - Wal-Mart - Sears Stores - Ace Hardware - Home Depot
How to get facilities for CFL collection How to support drop-off points
Drop-off Centres
Enabling/Supporting Legislation
Two onerous legislative requirements will prohibit the participation of retailers and others in establishing a comprehensive recovery mechanism for CFLs. Indications from DEAT are that new waste regulations will, in future, partly address the temporary storage constraints but EIA requirements will have to be aligned to facilitate and encourage recovery, responsible handling and recycling of CFLs.
DEAT Best Practice Objective To encourage the use of drop-off centres and to support drop-off centres. Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste Disposal, new EIA regulations. Exemption should be considered and supported for the listed activity as per regulation 386: The temporary storage of hazardous waste. Request/enforce (as appropriate) the development of a Lighting Industry Waste Management Plan. Emphasis should be placed on the importance of appropriate handling of hazardous household waste among all role players and every entity under legal obligation to comply. Alignment of EIA and Waste Management requirements to support CFL recovery is essential. Whilst relaxation is proposed, alternate mechanisms such as an Industry WMP is required to ensure that CFL recovery is structured and responsible through a formal waste management plan and an oversight/audit function. Additional Information A formalised and appropriately managed collection mechanism for CFLs is a significant improvement on the status quo.
Legislation
Communication Support Comprehensive and collaborative communication, education and awareness support is required by all stakeholders, including:
Clear demarcation, signage and branding of collection points. Package labeling. Guidelines for facility use (pamphlets, posters and signage). Muncipal communication through available media including billing runs. Education and awareness campaign among Muncipal residents. National education and awareness campaign.
19
Bulk Transportation
19
Bulk transportation
Relevant contacts
No service providers are currently known to provide collection services for CFLs from households, but service providers that collect from commercial properties may be available to assist at a fee. The following service providers are active in the commercial market: 1. Nova Lighting 2. Lumino 3. Actebis Refer to Treatment Section for contact details.
Legislation
In the event of breakage or spillage all personnel must leave the vehicle immediately and contact the incident team. Personnel must wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
21
Should either municipalities or industry be interested in, or be required to, collect CFLs from drop-off centre facilities, the requirements for handling and transportation of CFLs as per the guidelines for a Waste Contractor will apply. As for waste contractors, the need for waste information management and tracking is a requirement introduced at this stage of CFL waste handling and should be given due consideration. It is also possible that municipalities and industry players may be involved in the recruiting of waste contractors for a collection and transportation service. These guidelines are therefore aimed at assisting with appropriate practice when contracting for bulk transport of CFLs.
Local Municipality or Industry Objective Legislation Best Practice To ensure safe transportation of spent CFLs to a landfill site or recycling facility. Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste Disposal, National Transportation Act. Verify that the contractor complies with the Best Practices described in the preceding guideline. This will include having suitable crates which prevent the breakage of spent CFLs. Vehicles are roadworthy and comply with the National Traffic Act (GNR. 225) requirements. What to consider when contracting for the transportation of CFLs Applicable and accurate TREM decals are displayed on the service providers vehicles. Confirm that driver(s) of the vehicle(s) are qualified and are certified to transport hazardous goods. Check that drivers are trained to deal with emergency situations and that all personnel handling the hazardous waste wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Ensure that the transport contractor captures the waste data and submits completed records and reports to all relevant entities including yourself and the Fund administration entity. Spent CFLs must be transported in such a manner that the breakage of CFLs is prevented and that in the case of breakage no mercury leaks from the transportation containment. Additional Information
Bulk transportation
DEAT Contact details
Directorate: Pollution & Waste Management: Mr Rantsadi Moatshe +27 (0)12 310 3648 rmoatshe@deat.gov.za
Best Practice Objective To encourage thorough legislation and regulations. The separation at source of all recyclable, and particularly hazardous, household waste. DEATs involvement is governed by the National legislative framework including the Constitution, National Environmental Management Act and Municipal Systems Act. Encourage and support the inclusion of the concept into Municipal Integrated Waste Management Plans and the development of bylaws to enforce separation at source by homeowners.
Additional Information Separation at source is an essential component of all recycling initiatives and should be widely encouraged.
Emphasis should be placed on the importance of appropriate handling of hazardous household waste among all role players and every entity under legal obligation to comply.
Directorate: Authorisation & Waste Disposal Management: Ms Kellelo Ntoampe +27 (0)12 310 3920 kntoampe@deat.gov.za
Overall education relating to waste, recycling and hazardous household waste has been identified during A national education campaign. General education must public consultation as an imperative since existing be provided to the public to improve their knowledge of awareness levels are extremely low. Education with the impacts of mercury bearing lamps on the environment. regards to the benefits of using energy saver lamps should also form part of communications. Support should also be provided to provincial departments and local municipalities in the form of information sharing, education and empowerment.
23
23
Legislation
Treatment Facility Best Practice Objective Legislation Ensure that CFLs are crushed, chemically treated (where required) and sealed in manner that is not harmful to the environment or mankind. Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste Disposal, pending Waste Management Act, Environmental Conservation Act and new EIA regulations. Additional Information Crushing and treatment into an inert and sealed format is essential except when transporting to a recycling facility. Then pre-treatment should not occur. Would have to comply with the comprehensive legal requirements for permitting of storage, treatment and processing of hazardous (CFL) waste facilities.
25
Treatment or storage
Relevant contacts
The following companies are known to provide treatment services for mercury bearing lamps:
To meet all the legislative requirements and best practice described, the crushing technology would typically operate in a vacuum or under negative pressure and must incorporate a comprehensive filter system.
1. Nova Lighting. Tel: +27 (0)21 706 4451, Email: mike@nova.co.za or web: www.nova.co.za 2. Lumino. Tel: +27 (0)861 111 319 Email: lamps@lumino.co.za or web: www.lumino.co.za 3. Actebis. Tel: +27 (0)16 423 7802, Email: actebis268@lantic.net or web: www.tubeandglobeguzzler
27
Disposal at landfill
Relevant contacts
Only three landfills are suitably licensed for the acceptance of hazardous wastes, such as mercury, in South Africa. These are located in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng respectively and details can be obtained from DEAT (see earlier contact details) or from the Institute of Waste Management (IWMSA). Tel: +27 (0)11 675 3462/4 Email: iwmsa@telkomsa.net Website: www.iwmsa.co.za
Legislation
The hazardous landfill site where CFLs are disposed of must be permitted/licensed and operated as per the DWAF Minimum Requirements for Hazardous Waste.
Operating plans at such a hazardous landfill site must include a plan for disposing of spent CFLs.
The re-opening or downstream chemical treatment of CFL waste with mercury immobilising chemicals is strictly prohibited. Please also note that the transporter of the waste to the landfill should be aware of the requirements for CFLs and should ensure delivery of pre-treated and crushed lamps in sealed containers for encapsulation.
Recycler Responsibility
Various recycling technologies/methodologies currently exist (including treatment options) but it is important that recycling facilities understand the benefits and consequences of the various technologies including among others the variability of the number of components that can be recovered through the process. Of the available recycling technologies Closed Loop Recycling is currently the only proven technology with exceptional health, safety, environmental and quality performance. These guidelines are aimed at assisting with appropriate practice and utilisation of recycling facilities.
Recycling Facilities Best Practice Additional Information Current and pending legislation incorporates the requirement to prove that the resources required for the recycling process do not exceed the recycling benefits. Licensing of a new recycling facility will be subject to a complete impact assessment with consideration of the above. Comprehensive licensing requirements will apply to recycling facilities.
29
Recycling
Relevant contacts
Reclite is in the process of establishing a mercury recovery and recycling facility for lamp components in South Africa. The facility will accept a wide variety of mercury lamps for processing. Reclite can be contacted at: Tel: +27 (0) 11 764 4855 Cell: +27 (0) 82 492 7356 Email: patricia@reclite.co.za or you can visit their website at: www.reclite.co.za
Government support/facilitation of a receiving market for recycled material including recovered mercury and particularly glass and metals, will be invaluable to promote CFL recovery and recycling.
Objective
Recycle CFLs and all the components in an environmentally friendly manner whilst ensuring the operation is environmentally and financially viable.
Legislation
CFLs should ideally be received intact or if crushed, appropriately sealed to prevent the release of any mercury vapour, but should not be pre-treated with any chemicals. All mercury should be contained and treated and no mercury emissions should result from the recycling activities.
Recycling of CFLs
Fund Administration
31
Fund administration
Voluntary participation
Research findings have shown that pending legislation has resulted in extended delays in activity in anticipation of the detailed legislated requirements. As a result, the time required for legislation to be promulgated becomes a major barrier for implementation. Voluntary participation is therefore the best immediate way forward in spite of the obvious limitations.
Legislation
Structured as and compliant with all legislation relevant to a Section 21, non-profit organisation registered as a Public Benefits Organisation (PBO).
Waste contractor(s)
33
ALL participants in the CFL Recovery Initiative must be acknowledged for their invaluable contribution to the programme and particularly thanked for the input and effort that resulted in this guideline. Key participants that are specifically acknowledged include: