y2benvironmental.co.uk

Services:

Fluorescent Tube Recycling

We only charge for collection

Fluorescent tube recycling has just become much simpler and affordable since Wastenot started offering a unique mobile tube crushing and collection service.

Safe and proven method using EA approved equipment
FREE disposal costs – we only charge for the collection
Closed loop recycling process
Collection rates from 0.21p per tube *
On site tube crushing using the latest portable tube crushing equipment (Environment agency approved)
Safe and proven method
Trained professional operators
By crushing on site we reduce the transport logistics and carbon footprint of traditional collection methods
95% + of the tubes are recycled within a closed loop recycling process
Avoid the need for large quantities of stored tubes
You keep your tube storage box
Consignment notes issued
Registered waste carrier

* Collection rate shown is based on min charge of £95 for 1 hour during which time up to 450 tubes can be crushed and collected.

To arrange a collection email: enquiries@y2be.co.uk

Recycling and Disposal

The light tubes collected from our customers are taken to a licensed processing site to be safely treated. The mercury and phosphor powder are separated and collected for recovery, as are the glass and aluminium end caps. The glass is then taken to a glass company to be processed back into lamp products.

The recycling site used for all our collected wastes is a Sustainalite and iso9000 accredited facility.

About Fluorescent Tubes and Mercury

There are estimated to be around 100 million fluorescent tubes and lights in use in the UK and around 70 million changed each year to enter the waste stream.

Fluorescent light is produced by passing an electric current through mercury vapour to generate ultraviolet energy. A phophor coating inside the tube transforms this to visible light. A single four foot fluorescent tube contains around 23 milligrams of mercury, a toxic metal that can cause serious water pollution , and is readily taken up by fish, plants and crops causing bioaccumulation in foods in the human diet.

Direct exposure by inhalation of mercury (the vapour is readily absorbed) can cause serious damage to kidneys (damaging the filtration process), liver and lungs (causing breathlessness, coughs, chest pain and impairment of lung function). It can also accumulate in the brain and foetal tissues, and cause damage to the central nervous system (symptoms include tremors, decreased concentration, blurred vision and decreased nerve conduction).

Consequently, we offer the most safety conscious and environmentally beneficial fluorescent tube recycling service available. We aim to provide our forward thinking customers the highest standards to protect your workforce and the environment.

Collection charges

Our collection charges include transport and operator time (up to 1 hr on site).
Additional charges are applied for extra time on site, large quantities of tubes, or when tubes require unwrapping / unpacking, Restricted access, or restricted headroom can delay processing.
As a guide up to 400-500 tubes can be crushed and collected in 1 hour

For a collection cost please email enquiries@y2be.co.uk with the following information:

Location including postcode and contact details
Number of tubes / lamps for collection and their condition (loose, boxed, wrapped, broken or whole etc...)
Parking availability
Access to power supply

Please note:
Collection charges are kept lower if tubes are all in one place and stored loose. If tubes are packed and wrapped it will take longer to process and collect them.