How much does it cost to participate in Take Back the Light as an industrial, commercial or institutional generator of used lamps?

The cost varies depending on the volume of lamps and transportation options. Participation in the program guarantees the best price in Ontario for recycling lamps.

 

 

Is it time consuming?

No, signing up with Take Back the Light ensures a quick recycling solution based on your needs.

 

 

What are the risks?

There are no more risks to recycling lamps than using them. Recycling lamps reduces overall risk.

 

 

How will I know if my lighting distributor is part of the Take Back the Light recycling / retrofit program?

As distributors register with Take Back the Light, we will promote them on the website on the Sellers / Suppliers page.

If you work with a lighting distributor who hasn't signed up with Take Back the Light, tell them that, as their customer, you are interested in taking part in the program, and forward them the link to this website www.takebackthelight.ca. If your distributor isn't ready to sign-up, you can still register on your own.

Companies participating on their own (not through a distributor), can register directly with Take Back the Light, by filling out the registration form by clicking the Contact Us button in the "Join the Program" section on this site, or call 416 657 2797 ext. 7.

 

 

Are there other incentives for retrofitting our facility?

Companies participating in the recycling / retrofit pilot are eligible for custom and prescriptive track rebates as part of the OPA's ERIP program.

 

 

Our company is interested in continuing to recycle its lamps once the retrofit is completed. Will it be able to continue with the program?

Certainly. Contact Take Back the Light. We can help you to address your ongoing needs.

 

 

What Regulations Affect the Recycling of Fluorescent Lamps in Ontario?

Prior to March 2007, the movement of spent, intact fluorescent lamps was restricted due to their mercury content. This restriction was a result of requirements under Regulation 347 of the Environmental Protection Act specifying that mercury containing wastes must be registered with the Ministry of the Environment and must be manifested for transport. This restriction unintentionally presented a significant barrier to the proper recycling of the spent lamps.

Through the efforts of the RCO, and the receptiveness of the Ministry of the Environment representatives, "common mercury wastes" which includes intact fluorescent lamps, no longer need to be registered or manifested if they are being transported to a "common mercury waste recovery facility" such as Aevitas. This change allows the "backhauling" of spent fluorescent lamps by the fluorescent lamp distributor.

 

 

How do you clean up broken compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and other fluorescent lamps?

1. Ventilate the room for at least 15 minutes prior to starting clean-up by opening windows and doors to the outdoors.  This will ensure that mercury vapour levels are reduced before you start cleaning 
2. Clean-up direction for Hard and Carpeted Surfaces 
   • Do not use a vacuum to clean up the initial breakage, as it will spread the mercury vapour and dust throughout the area and may contaminate the vacuum 
   • Wear disposable gloves, if available, to avoid direct contact with mercury and to prevent cuts
   • Scoop or sweep up the broken pieces and debris with two pieces of stiff paper or cardboard.  Do not use a broom
   • Use sticky tape, such as duct tape or masking tape, to pick up any remaining fine glass or powder
   • Wipe the area with a damp paper towel, cloth or disposable wet wipe to remove any residual particles
   • Place the broken glass an clean-up materials in a container with a tight fitting lid/closure to further minimize the release of mercury vapour
3. Disposal
   • Take the broken remains to your local municipal hazardous waste depot

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