Draft End-of-Life Code of Practice for Mercury-Containing Lamps

Draft End-of-Life Code of Practice for Mercury-Containing Lamps

A proposed code of practice for mercury-containing lamps at the end of their life has been published for comment by Environment Canada. Deadline for submitting comments: June 6.

The draft code does not prescribe specific methods or technologies. Instead, it provides information on best practices, options and considerations for various activities of end-of-life management of mercury-containing lamps, such as collection and storage, materials management and emergency response plans, and tracking.

The best practices cover various types of mercury-containing lamps, including:

  • fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • fluomeric lamps metal halide lamps (e.g., for stadium or warehouse lighting applications)
  • mercury vapour discharge lamps (e.g., for street and floodlighting applications)
  • sodium vapour lamps (e.g., for street and floodlighting applications)
  • cold cathode and external fluorescent lamps (e.g., for electronic display applications, signs)
  • automotive high-intensity discharge (HiD) lamps

The code of practice is a voluntary tool developed to complement provincial, territorial and local efforts. It may be used as guidance by various Canadian governmental jurisdictions within their waste management programs or regulatory frameworks and by other stakeholders. Aspects of the code of practice could also be referenced in industry plans for recycling programs that may be required under provincial and territorial waste management regimes.

Why it’s needed

Mercury is an essential component in some energy-efficient lamps such as fluorescent tubes and light bulbs. Mercury-containing lamps use a low-pressure mercury electrical discharge in which a fluorescing coating transforms ultraviolet energy into visible light. These lamps contain a small amount of mercury which may be released when the lamps break or are improperly disposed as regular garbage. The mercury vapour released from these broken lamps poses a potential risk to human health and the environment. Thus, it is important that mercury-containing lamps are managed properly at their end of life to prevent the release of mercury to the environment.

Methyl mercury can cause an array of health problems including brain damage and neurological development effects in fetuses, infants and young children.

Find out more: http://www.ec.gc.ca/lcpe-cepa/eng/participation/default.cfm.

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • TSBC Information Bulletin: Regulatory Audits

    TSBC Information Bulletin: Regulatory Audits

    February 21, 2025 This information bulletin explains regulatory audits as an inspection practice at Technical Safety BC, including who can be audited, the audit process, and the potential consequences of non-complianc legislative requirements. This bulletin applies to the following technologies: amusement devices, boilers, pressure vessels an refrigeration, electrical, elevating devices, gas, and passenger ropeways. For… Read More…

  • EFC Update on Proposed Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

    EFC Update on Proposed Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum

    February 21, 2025 An update on proposed tariffs on steel and aluminum can be found below. NEMA has provided this information to their members as well. If the US government proceeds with these plans, the tariffs are scheduled to take effect on March 12, 2025. View the White House Fact Sheet and the Presidential Proclamations adjusting Section 232 tariffs… Read More…

  • 2025 Lighting Trends: Innovative, Eco Friendly Design, Tone, Colour & Control

    2025 Lighting Trends: Innovative, Eco Friendly Design, Tone, Colour & Control

    February 14, 2025 By Dara Greaney, Founder & CEO — LEDLightExpert.com As we usher in a new year, many people are turning their attention to their homes in the hopes of updating their decor for 2025. One of the best — and most affordable — ways to instantly update a space is with lighting. People… Read More…

  • Multi-Unit Component Drives Residential Sector Construction Investment in December 2024

    Multi-Unit Component Drives Residential Sector Construction Investment in December 2024

    February 14, 2025 Overall, investment in building construction rose 1.9% (+$408.1 million) to $21.8 billion in December, with gains recorded across all components. The residential sector grew 2.2% to $15.1 billion while the non-residential sector was up 1.3% to $6.7 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 4.7% in December. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction increased 1.5%… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • OEL Launches New Website

    OEL Launches New Website

    February 21, 2025 Ontario Electrical League have announced a newly redesigned website thanks in part to the Ontario Skills Development Fund. As industry advocates for over 38,000 electrical sector workers, the site provides easier access to Member Benefits, such as hiring short- and long-term talent and legal and business services. The site has also been… Read More…

  • ECAO Safety Awards Accepting Nominations

    ECAO Safety Awards Accepting Nominations

    February 21, 2025 ECAO is proud to celebrate those who prioritize safety in the electrical contracting industry. ECAO invites you to apply or nominate a deserving individual for one of their prestigious ECAO Safety Awards. The Safety Awards, similar to last year, will be a highlight of our 2025 Annual General Meeting at the Wyndham Fallsview… Read More…

  • Munden Enterprises Earns Arlington’s Canadian Sales Achievement Award

    Munden Enterprises Earns Arlington’s Canadian Sales Achievement Award

    February 18, 2025 Arlington Industries Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual representative sales awards – for 2024 sales of Arlington’s MADE IN USA and many patented, innovative and labor-saving products. Presented to firms representing Arlington at the recent 2025 National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA) meeting in Orlando, Florida, these awards… Read More…

  • Have your Say on the Proposed Regulations for the NWT Builders’ Lien Act

    Have your Say on the Proposed Regulations for the NWT Builders’ Lien Act

    February 14, 2025 The GNWT is modernizing the legal framework for construction liens. In 2023, the Builders’ Lien Act was enacted to replace the Mechanics Lien Act. The new legislation was put in place to address modern construction practices. It sets out the legal processes, systems, rights, and remedies for parties involved in construction disputes.  The GNWT… Read More…