Lamps containing mercury: code of practice overview
The code of practice for the environmentally sound management of end-of-life lamps containing mercury has been in effect since February 11, 2017.
Objective
This code of practice recommends best practices to prevent and minimize the release of mercury to the environment from end-of-life lamps containing mercury.
Target audience
The code of practice applies to facilities and operators that handle, collect, store, transport and process end-of-life lamps containing mercury. This includes:
- fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs
- fluomeric lamps
- metal halide lamps
- mercury vapour discharge lamps
- sodium vapour lamps
- cold cathode and external fluorescent lamps
- automotive high-intensity discharge lamps
Adopting the code of practice
If the code of practice applies to your facility or operations, you are encouraged to:
- implement best practices to prevent the release of mercury to the environment from mercury lamps during handing, collection, storage, processing, and disposal
- implement a process to track all lamps collected, stored, transported, and processed to ensure they are managed in an environmentally sound manner
- provide training to workers on how to handle lamps containing mercury, clean up spills, or operate equipment for processing lamps
- inform consumers and waste generators of the importance of environmentally sound management and encourage participation in lamp collection and recycling
- consider best practices for northern and remote communities where diversion options are limited, such as engaging community champions, establishing partnerships, and implementing public outreach
Read the code of practice
Code of practice: environmentally sound management of end-of-life lamps containing mercury
Reporting
The code of practice does not have reporting requirements.
Performance results to date
There are currently no performance results to date.
Related information
- Products Containing Mercury Regulations
- Products that Contain Mercury: Lamps
- National Strategy for Lamps Containing Mercury
- Chemicals Management Plan
Past consultations
Proposed code of practice (2016)
Contact us
Waste Reduction and Management Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
351 St-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
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