The evolution of recycling of LED bulbs
The LED lighting is marketed since the 60 Its expansion in the field of lighting is relatively recent. However, LED bulbs will arrive massively at the end of life only ten years after their release on the market. Thus, the results on their particular composition are insufficient to develop an efficient LED bulb recycling system. More bulbs than conventional bulbs, bulbs that use LED technology are not fully recyclable. Glass and the metals that compose them are recycled. Only a few components, such as electronic cards, are still being studied to define the best way to extract and recycle them. The problem lies in the diversity of LED lamps on the market and the fragility of their electronic card. Of a different shape and composition, existing models must be examined as a whole to establish efficient LED bulb recycling processes. The main interest of these bulbs lies in the recovery of so-called "strategic" metals. These include indium and gallium, but also phosphor powders. The latter is essentially composed of rare earth (yttrium). However, the rare earth market is suffering from the reduction of China's exports. The recycling of LED bulbs is therefore closely watched by manufacturers, who see it as a solution for their supply.
Recycling LED bulbs: a solution for rare earths
China is responsible for nearly 85% of the rare earth produced on the planet. Many manufacturers (electronic devices, mobile devices, etc.) depend on them to ensure their production. Nevertheless, the Middle Kingdom takes advantage of this quasi-monopoly to destabilize the price of rare earth. The tightening of Chinese exports since 2006 led to a rare-earth crisis in 2011, which in fact won a WTO complaint in 2012. However, the presence of some rare piles of earth in the composition of low LED bulbs consumption opens up new supply prospects. The development of recycling techniques for LED bulbs innovative technologies can extract the strategic metals they contain, in order to supply the industries that depend on them. Numerous studies have been carried out in this direction, paving the way for major improvements in the world of LED bulb recycling.
Better recycling of LED bulbs in perspective
Récylum has set up numerous partnerships with universities and recycling machine manufacturers to adapt its processes to the specificities of recycling LED bulbs. The objective pursued is the extraction of the strategic metals present in the diodes, which is done by hydrometallurgy. However, a problem quickly appeared: how to separate glass and plastic without crushing the card that contains the metals? Only a suitable recycling machine could allow such extraction. Many feasibility studies are currently underway to determine the best way to recycle all components of LED bulbs before their massive arrival at the end of their life.
The different stages of recycling of LED bulbs
The bulbs that need to be recycled are stamped with a symbol dustbin. This distinctive sign was introduced in 2005. You must recycle your bulb when you meet it. The recycling of LED bulbs is systematic because of the elements that compose them. Specialized containers are available in 22,000 collection points, distributed in municipal landfills, major retailers and DIY stores. The deposit is made in the same tanks as for other low consumption bulbs. Once deposited in a recycling bin, LED bulbs are collected and routed to treatment sites where they are sorted. Glasses and metals are recycled, while plastic undergoes energy recovery. All recycled elements then enter into the manufacture of new objects or new tubes. The recycling LED bulb preserves natural resources by reusing recyclable materials: glass, plastic, metals, etc. It prevents pollution from electronic cards, plastics and other pollutants harmful to the environment. All by creating and maintaining jobs in the industry. An important point to note, when we know that fewer and fewer used "classic" bulbs are recycled each year.
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