Safe Handling and Disposal of Mercury-Containing Lamps
Fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and other types of bulbs often contain a small amount of mercury. Mercury sealed within the glass tubing poses no danger when bulbs are intact or in use, however, when bulbs are broken small amounts of mercury are released into the environment and can pose health risks. The disposal of mercury-containing lamps to the environment is regulated by the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) Regulation 347.
The University of Windsor is committed to preventing the release of mercury into the environment through landfills by participation in recycling programs that allow for reuse of up to 98% of the material that make up the lights.
End-of-life and broken lamps are to be dropped off at the CCC for recycling.
How to Clean-up Broken Lamps
Proper cleanup procedures have been designed to reduce a workers’ exposure to the low levels of mercury anticipated when a fluorescent bulb is accidentally broken (Health Canada recommendations).
- Open windows (if possible) to ventilate the room.
- Wear rubber gloves to remove as much debris as possible with stiff paper or cardboard and place in a plastic bag. Do not use a broom.
- If a break occurs on a hard surface, wipe the area with a damp paper towel and place it in the plastic bag.
- If a break occurs on a carpet, use sticky tape (such as duct tape) to pick up any small pieces of glass and fine particles and place it in the plastic bag. If necessary, vacuum the area and place the disposable vacuum bag in the plastic bag.
- Seal the bag and place it in a a box labeled "broken fluorescent lamp". Arrange for delivery to the CCC.
- Wash hands thoroughly after cleanup.
How to Dispose of Mercury-Containing Lamps
- Package spent lamps in original boxes. If a box is not available, place them upright in a sturdy plastic barrel or drum.
- Do not tape lamps together. This makes them difficult to separate for crushing and increases disposal costs.
- Packaging in between lamps is not required but each box should be filled to capacity to prevent movement. Ensure the bottoms of boxes are secure and can support the weight of the contents.
- Label boxes to distinguish spent lamps from unused lamps.
- For high intensity discharge lamps or other non-straight lamps use any sturdy cardboard box for storage or place it back into its original casing.
- If a lamp breaks in the box, leave it alone. Do not attempt to remove the broken lamp, or its parts.
- Drop-off or arrange for delivery to the CCC.
The CCC does not accept personal household bulbs. These can be recycled through your municipal public waste depot or participating stores such as Canadian Tire.