Mercury Lamp Recycling Information for Canadians

Introduction

Fluorescent lampThe adoption and proper life-cycle management of energy-efficient lighting is a cost-effective way for Canadians to reduce energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and mercury releases to the environment.  Governments across the country are using a variety of policies and programs to promote the use of energy-efficient lighting and to encourage environmentally responsible recycling of end-of-life mercury-containing lamps.

The intent of the fact sheets listed below is to answer questions Canadians have regarding proper end-of-life management. The fact sheets summarize the options currently available to Canadian households, businesses, and institutions across the country for the proper recycling of spent lamps. Key contacts are also identified, including all Canadian lamp recyclers. The fact sheets also offer recommendations to businesses for the handling, storage, and recycling of spent lamps, including the use of drum-top crushers to pre-process lamps prior to recycling.

These fact sheets are adapted from the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) web site and reports on fluorescent lamp recycling. With the EPA’s permission (and with our thanks), we have replaced U.S.-specific content with Canadian information and links. The EPA’s findings on drum-top crushers are useful since these devices are distributed across the continent by both U.S. and Canadian vendors.

For additional information regarding energy-efficient lighting, please consult our Office of Energy Efficiency.

List of Fact Sheets