Fluorescent Bulb Recycling

Environment Canada estimates that the 23mg of mercury in one standard 4 foot fluorescent bulb can contaminate 30,000 litres of water. Although fluorescent bulbs are much more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs, it is not as yet possible to make a fluorescent bulb without mercury.

Mercury is toxic to the human nervous system. It can enter the body through inhalation, absorption through the skin, or ingestion. Once a fluorescent lamp is broken, mercury enters the atmosphere and continues to exist as vapours for years to come. It will eventually find its way into the soil and water. Mercury doesn't break down; instead it "bioaccumulates" — works its way up the food chain. This makes it most dangerous to humans and mammals.

There are a few companies in Canada and many in the U.S. who recycle fluorescent bulbs. In general, the process begins with the lamps being crushed. The crushed glass is cleaned and sent for recycling. The aluminum end caps and brass tips are cleaned and recycled in a smelter. Mercury is separated from phosphor powder and is reused. The phosphor powder is used in pigments in the paint or plastic industries. Until recently only one company in North America had the ability to separate out the mercury. Now, in Canada, Fluorescent Lamp Recyclers Inc. in Cambridge, Ontario is working on a process to recover the mercury. FLR services all of Canada. Nu Life Industries in Aldergrove, BC, also processes fluorescent bulbs.

The CCME has set new standards for fluorescent bulbs that include reducing the mercury by 80% from 1990 levels and 75% being recycled or safely disposed of by 2010. Alberta Environment's recently completed study found that only 2.5% of the 6 million bulbs discarded annually are recycled. In partnership with Alberta municipalities and the lighting industry, Alberta Environment has targeted the municipal, university, school and hospital sector (the MUSH sector). The partnership group is putting together a program to encourage the MUSH sector to insist that suppliers recycle spent fluorescent bulbs. The MUSH sector produces 35% of Alberta's discarded fluorescent tubes. For more information contact Lynn Bellamy — 780-422-2009.

(Source: September 2000 WasteWatch)

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