Fluorescent tubes, CFLs, and other mercury‑containing lamps must be handled carefully because broken lamps can release small amounts of mercury. In Ontario, these lamps are regulated as hazardous waste under EPA Regulation 347, which requires proper storage and recycling—not landfill disposal.
End‑of‑life and damaged mercury‑containing lamps on campus must be delivered to the CCC through Facility Serives or Custodial Staff for proper recycling. The CCC does not accept household bulbs; these can be recycled through municipal waste depots or participating retailers.
- Package spent lamps in their original boxes.
- Do not tape lamps together, as this interferes with safe processing.
- Label all boxes clearly to distinguish spent lamps from unused ones.
- For high‑intensity discharge (HID) or non‑straight lamps, use a sturdy cardboard box or the original packaging.
- If a lamp breaks inside a box, do not remove the fragments.
- Drop off or schedule delivery of all lamps through the CCC.
Follow these steps to minimize exposure to the small amount of mercury that may be released when a fluorescent lamp breaks:
- Ventilate the area by opening windows if possible.
- Wear gloves and carefully collect debris using stiff paper or cardboard; place everything in a plastic bag. Do not use a broom.
- For hard surfaces: Wipe the area with a damp paper towel and place the towel in the bag.
- For carpets: Use sticky tape (e.g., duct tape) to pick up fine particles and place in a bag.
- Seal the plastic bag, place it in a box labeled “Broken Fluorescent Lamp”, and arrange delivery to the CCC.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after cleanup.