CITY Electrical Factors, based at the Middle River Industrial Estate, Douglas, has extended the recycling side of its business.

It will now take fluorescent tubes and other lighting from commercial premises in addition to its service for televisions and computer monitors.

With the new recycling service the firm has essentially come full circle as its primary business is as a supplier of industrial and domestic electric equipment to trade and retail customers.

All the items for recycling are shipped off the Island and recycled at a CEF recycling plant in the UK.

Local branch manager Graham Wignall explained: "We take the tubes back in one piece. The fluorescent light fittings are filled with gas and the main idea is to keep those gases from being exposed and released into the atmosphere."

The lamp and tube recycling is a new service however CEF also recycles waste televisions and computer monitors.

In addition to its operation for businesses it collects them from the Island's four civic amenity sites.

There are five collections a week – the eastern civic amenity site in Douglas has two as it is by far the busiest.

Mr Wignall said: "It has been surprising how many we have collected - it is immense. Since the beginning of May we have moved 11 articulated trailers. It is gratifying how much we are picking up to go for recycling."

Mr Wignall, who practices what he preaches as he recycles at home, said shipping the waste off the Island is a big plus for the Isle of Man.

And he added: "We are shipping the items under the Environment Agency's guidance and approval."

All the recycling is stripped to its basic materials and in terms of the lighting a machine is used to remove the mercury in a safe way.

Mr Wignall is well aware of the positive impact recycling electrical products is having on the environment. 

He said: "The most rewarding thing is when you see those trailers full.

"You are looking at five or 600 televisions or monitors on a trailer and we know it is all being recycled properly as we have an audit trail in place."

Any companies who want to find out about CEF's commercial recycling can click here or contact them on 01624 623431.