Frequently asked questions

• Why should I use RecycFluo?

  RecycFluo is Québec’s only recycling program for mercury-containing bulbs and tubes.

  Since its launch in 2012, more than 4 million mercury-containing bulbs and tubes have been diverted from landfills.

  RecycFluo responsibly collects and recycles these bulbs and tubes from Québec consumers and businesses, free of charge.

  About the program
• How is the program funded?

  RecycFluo’s funding comes from the Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) included in the sale price of new mercury-containing bulbs and tubes sold Québec.

  The fees vary depending on the type and size of the product.

  The EHFs cover the program’s expenses which includes collection, transport and recycling of mercury-containing bulbs and tubes, as well as promotional and  awareness campaigns. These fees are not a governmental tax, or a deposit.

  Environmental Handling Fee Table
• Do all fluorescent bulbs and tubes contain mercury?

  Yes. All fluorescent bulbs and tubes contain a very small amount of mercury, which allows them to efficiently produce light. When correctly handled, they are safe for use. At their end of life, these bulbs must be recycled responsibly to neutralize the mercury and thus prevent its release into our soil and waterways. Make sure you take safety precautions when transporting these lights.

• Which RecyFluo services are available to me?

  Depending on the quantity, our program offers three FREE recycling solutions for individuals and industrial, commercial, or institutional sectors:

  For less than 16 units each of bulbs or tubes:

  • Find a recycling location on Product Care’s drop-off point locator.
  • Select “Light – Residential Volumes’’ to find the nearest residential recycling location.

  For less than 15 boxes:

  • Find a recycling location on Product Care’s drop-off point locator.
  • Select “Light – Commercial Volumes’’ to find the nearest business recycling location and drop off your lamps for free. Please package your used lights in boxes for safer handling

  For more than 15 boxes (± one pallet 48x40x36 in):
  For larger volumes (one pallet or more), visit our Large Volume page to find out how to access our FREE pick-up service.

  NOTE: A recycling certificate can be provided via email by the recycler within six weeks from the date they receive your shipment, if you have requested it on the collection form.

  Find a recycling location
• How many bulbs or tubes go on a pallet?

  Generally, we recommend a pallet with the following dimensions (in inches): 40 L x 48 W x 36 H (or about 15 boxes).

  Due to the variety in shapes and sizes of mercury-containing lights, here are some examples based on specific styles:

  • 500 T12 fluorescent tubes or
  • 1200 compact fluorescents (CFLs) or
  • 600 High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs

  NOTE: You can mix different styles of lights on the same pallet and in the same box.

  For more information, contact us at 1-888-860-1654 or via email.

  Send email
• What do I do if my mercury-containing bulbs break accidentally?

  Health Canada recommends you follow these steps:

  • Make sure that all people and animals leave the room and aerate it for at least 15 minutes.
  • Wear disposable gloves to avoid all direct contact with mercury or to prevent any injuries.
  • Using two thick pieces of paper or cardboard, carefully and gently scoop up the glass fragments and powder.
  • Use tape to remove any fine residual pieces of glass or powder, then wipe down the area with a disposable damp towel or cloth.
    • If the bulb breaks on a carpet or rug, use tape to remove the glass and powder. The use of a vacuum is strongly discouraged in order to restrict the dispersal of the mercury powder in the air. If it is absolutely necessary to use a vacuum, immediately change the vacuum’s bag after cleanup, or empty and clean out (with a damp, disposable towel) the inside of its container before your next use.
  • Dispose of the glass, powder, and any materials you used in the cleanup in a glass container with a hermetic seal in order to minimize the dispersion of mercury vapor.
  • Bring your sealed glass container to one of RecycFluo’s recycling locations.

   

  Find a recycling location
• Why do my lights have to be boxed and palletized for your direct pick-up service?

  This preparation ensures the health and safety of our users, transportation partners, and recycling partners to limit the chances of breakage and mercury spills.

   

  Contact us
• How do I prepare my pallet(s) before making a direct pick-up request?

  Please refer to this Safe Handling of Mercury containing lights document.

   

• What are the operating procedures for a RecycFluo recycling location?
  • If you are a retailer drop-off point, click here.
  • If you are a municipal drop-off point, click here.
  • If you are a drop-off point for ICI (Industrial, Commercial or Institutional) clients, click here.
• What products are not accepted and why?

  Bulbs and tubes that do NOT contain mercury. This includes but is not limited to incandescent and  halogen bulbs, light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs or tubes, ballasts, low-pressure sodium bulbs or string/holiday lights. Liquid mercury, ballasts and light fixtures are NOT part of the RecycFluo program.

  These products are not subject to an Environmental Handling Fee in Québec and therefore no funds are allocated for their processing.

• RecycFluo doesn’t accept the kind of lights I have. What do I do?

  For information on other types of lights, visit Recyc-Québec’s Ça Va Où website or mobile app.

   

  Visit Ça Va Où
• How to become a recycling location? What are the benefits of becoming a recycling location with RecycFluo?

  If you wish to join a RecycFluo collection network, contact us. There are three collection networks available: retail, municipal, and Institutional, commercial and industrial (IC&I).
  Benefits of working with us include:

  • Increased customer convenience: purchase new lights and recycle the old ones at the same place.
  • Exposure and awareness of your site through Product Care’s recycling location finder (RecycFluo is operated by Product Care).
  • Demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility in your community.

  For more information, contact us.

   

  Contact us