Zero Waste Management and Circular Economy

Abstract

Demand for light sources increases with the increasing energetic, technologic and economic requirements of society. The lifetime hours of lamps are longer; however, such a waste still makes up a portion of waste production. The content of toxic metals is one of the factors that influences the environmental impact during their life cycle. Discharged light sources are separated, recycled or disposed. The sorted material can be reused as a secondary raw material, or the waste can be energetically recovered in an incinerator. One of the most disadvantageous options is landfill deposition. The separated fractions of such waste can be reused in terms of lowering the amount of waste and enhancing the circularity. Although compact fluorescent lamps and LEDs are energetically more convenient, their material requirements are more demanding. Purpose:The aim of the study, was to evaluate the heavy metal composition regarding environmental factors, considering the lifetime hours and luminescence.Design/methodology/approach: The content of heavy metals of fluorescent lamp, LED lamp and incandescent light bulb was studied using the XRF analyser. The illuminance of the light sources was measured by a lux meter.Findings: Based on the results, the LED light sources seem to be the most convenient. From the analysis, these light sources contain the lowest amount of copper and lead, also from the perspective of the lifetime hours and already existed collecting system.