Mercury Lamp Recycling Information for Canadians

How to Handle Broken Mercury-Containing Lamps

Mercury is an essential component in fluorescent lamps, including compact fluorescent light bulbs.  Unbroken fluorescent lamps, including CFLs, do not represent a risk of mercury exposure; however, they are breakable. Because the glass bulb is fragile and contains a small amount of mercury, you should be aware of the proper clean-up and disposal requirements. 

All broken lamps will release a small amount of mercury into the air upon breakage and will release smaller, decreasing amounts for a limited, but extended period of time if not cleaned up. Create procedures for reporting and managing broken lamps and, if lamps are accidentally broken, workers should follow the clean-up procedures provided by Health Canada or consult the U.S. EPA web site.