Are your lights causing pollution?

When we hear of light pollution, we naturally think of the overall impact of urban environments, but it can also occur at the neighbourhood level, when light spills from your property to other properties.

According to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), light can be considered to cause pollution when it becomes a nuisance to your neighbours. It might come from numerous sources, including security lights, spot lights, and flood lights.

It might also be over-bright or poorly-directed, such as a security light that shines into a neighbour’s bedroom window. The EPA suggests that it might not always be easy to contain all light within your boundaries, but that should be the aim.

The EPA suggests the following ways to reduce potential outdoor light pollution:

- Turn off lights when you don't need them, including security lights. Consider installing sensor switches on outside lights.

- Locate lights as far as possible from neighbours and away from sensitive areas such as bedroom windows.

- Avoid placing a light near a reflective surface.

- Use existing features to hide the light source from view.

- Wherever possible, direct light downwards to specifically illuminate the target area.

- If there is no alternative to up-lighting, fit shields and baffles to help keep light spill to a minimum. Some equipment can minimise light spread near, or above, the horizontal.

- Don't over light. It can cause light pollution and wastes energy.

All outdoor lighting must comply with ‘Australian Standard 4282 - Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting’, which sets out guidelines and gives recommended limits for relevant lighting levels to keep within tolerable levels.

If you are experiencing nuisance lighting, the EPA suggests initially trying to resolve the issue by discussing it, in a calm and friendly manner, with whoever is responsible for the light. Alternatively, you might initiate mediation through the conflict resolution service or lodge a complaint with the EPA.