Lamp recycling focuses on critical raw materials
Home Light+Energy Energy Efficiency Lamp recycling focuses on critical raw materials
International E-Waste Day draws attention to the proper disposal of LED and energy-saving light bulbs. The recycling company Lightcycle is participating in the nationwide "Every Plug Counts!" campaign and is highlighting the importance of critical raw materials in lighting.
International E-Waste Day on October 14 draws attention to electronic waste that is often overlooked in everyday life. This includes LED and energy-saving light bulbs, which many consumers don't consider electronic waste. The day was launched in 2018 by the WEEE Forum to raise awareness that even the smallest electronic components contain valuable materials and must be properly recycled.
This year's focus is on critical raw materials (CRMs) – critical raw materials used in electronic devices. Since many of these materials can only be mined in a few countries, recycling old devices plays an important role in resource conservation and strategic independence.
Electronic waste grows faster than recyclingThe Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 shows the following:
Global increase in e-waste: The amount of electronic waste is increasing significantly faster than formal recycling.
Underestimated potential: In private households, unused appliances lie in drawers – these are repositories of raw materials that could be used for new products.
Legal classification : LED and energy-saving lamps as well as other small electrical devices are subject to the ElektroG and may not be disposed of with household waste.
If a device is defective or can no longer be repaired, users should remove the lamps and take both to the nearest suitable collection point. The portal www.sammelstellensuche.de helps with finding the nearest collection point.
Nationwide collection campaign until 19 OctoberThe nationwide campaign "Every Plug Counts! Germany Collects E-Waste" will take place from October 6 to 19, 2025. More than 150 municipalities, companies, educational institutions, and initiatives are participating with collection campaigns, repair services, and information events.
The recycling company Lightcycle is participating as a partner in the campaign. " E-Waste Day reminds us how valuable even seemingly small components are. Electronic waste is not waste, but a resource – and everyone can contribute to returning it to the cycle ," emphasizes Christian Brehm , Director of Sustainable Marketing and Sales at Lightcycle.
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