End of halogen light bulbs aiming for brighter and cleaner future

From the first of September 2023, T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes will no longer be manufactured. Business owners must sell energy-saving alternatives and discard fluorescent lamps as hazardous waste, or recycle them.

September 2023 will see the removal of fluorescent lights from shelves. The UK began phasing out the sale of higher-energy halogen lightbulbs in 2018. The measures are expected to mean that LED light bulbs will account for 85% of all bulbs sold by 2030.

From next month, all electrical and electronic equipment in the UK must comply with the revised Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. This means manufacturers are required to make sure their lamps don’t contain mercury before being sold. It outlines regulations for proper handling and disposal of products that contain hazardous materials. Ultimately, this helps ensure the safety of everyone, while reducing the potential risks associated with the use of mercury-containing lamps.

Key upcoming dates:

• 25th August 2023 - Prohibition of the placing on the market of all T5 and T8 fluorescent lamps and Compact fluorescent tubes, > 20 000 h lifetime. This includes T8 18-58W, T8 70W and special lengths. 24th August 2023 is the RoHS expiry date.

• 1st September 2023 - Prohibition of the placing on the market of all Halogen Pins (Low voltage halogen lamps G4 and GY6.35 and mains voltage G9 230V). All halogen capsules are also phased out.

This measure is expected to mean that LED light bulbs will account for 85% of all bulbs sold by 2030.

Taken together, these new rules will mark a significant shift to more energy efficient and longer lasting LEDs and will stop 1.26 million tonnes of carbon being emitted every year - the equivalent of removing over half a million cars from the UK’s roads.

The move is part of a package of energy efficiency improvements to electrical appliances, which will save consumers an average of £75 a year on energy bills.

Energy Minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said:

We’re phasing out old inefficient halogen bulbs for good, so we can move more quickly to longer lasting LED bulbs, meaning less waste and a brighter and cleaner future for the UK. By helping ensure electrical appliances use less energy but perform just as well, we’re saving households money on their bills and helping tackle climate change.

Fixtures such as these account for 100,000 tonnes of electrical waste every year – out of a total 1.5 million tonnes of electrical waste each year.

Would you like to know more about how Protest ES Ltd can help protect your business, staff, and visitors, thus keeping you safe and legally compliant with the latest regulations?

Please do not hesitate to contact us, by calling this number: 01604 696113 today. Or contact us via email: enquiries@protestesltd.co.uk