Recycling is essential for lamps containing mercury. Consequently, OSRAM has started recycling activities in Europe and other parts of the world in cooperation with other stakeholders.

• Lamps containing mercury must be disposed of properly to minimize their environmental impact
• In Europe, manufacturers set up systems to collect and recycle discharge lamps, including CFLi, following the WEEE Directive[1]. OSRAM played a major role in these activities to develop and establish sustainable and efficient producer retraction schemes in all Member States of the European Union.
• Lamps are marked with a crossed out wheelie bin, indicating that they shall not be disposed of with regular waste. End consumers shall return their lamps to municipal collection points.
• Recycling rates for professionally used lamps are already satisfactory, as professional facility managers are aware of the need for recycling
• OSRAM supports advertising campaigns to increase consumer awareness and increase recycling rates.
• Driven by the benefits from efficient lighting and supported by the EU as an example of environmentally friendly legislation, a global trend towards WEEE solutions for lamps has been initiated
• OSRAM has the necessary technical and logistic know-how from the experience with WEEE and will proactively support regional organizations in establishing a recycling system.

Situation in the United States:

• The OSRAM SYLVANIA recycling program was the first such program from a US manufacturer
• 35-40 recycling facilities exist in the USA

Capacity exists to support recycling for the remaining 70% of commercial lamp recycling

[1] WEEE: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment