Using the photoluminescence from GeGaSe:Er to pump GeGaS:Er, we examine the efficiency of light trapping. By measuring the photoluminescence decay time in powdered materials with varying particle size, we are able to exclude the influence of light trapping and to pinpoint the effect of self-quenching. The critical concentrations of Er for efficient self-quenching are determined by fitting experimental data to existing models. These values are found to be much larger than the concentrations inducing the formation of Er-clusters.