Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) contain mercury (approx. 5 mg). It is thus considered a hazardous waste.
For that reason, CFLs must never be thrown in the garbage can. It is very important to dispose of these light bulbs in specific locations.
Did You Know?
- ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs use approximately 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. For more information: http://www.efficiencynb.ca/
- To avoid cancelling the benefits linked to energy saving, these bulbs must be disposed of in a specific way to prevent all risks of contamination.
What to Do With CFLs?
If a bulb is burned out…
- Seal the bulb in a plastic bag.
- Store in such a way as to avoid any risk of breaking and consequently avoiding any mercury emanation.
- As soon as possible, bring the burned out bulb to one of the locations listed below.
If a bulb is broken…
- Make sure the room is well ventilated by opening the windows so that no one breathes the mercury emanations.
- Sweep up the fragments carefully with a broom (do not use your hands) and wipe the area with a damp paper towel to remove glass fragments (DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner).
- Place all fragments and paper towels in a sealed plastic bag. Store the bag in an open and well ventilated area (garage for example).
- As soon as possible, bring the bag to one of the locations listed below.
Where to Bring Your Used CFLs?
Please note that this free program is intended for North West New Brunswick households only. You have 2 options:
- You may store them safely in your home and bring them to the next household hazardous waste (HHW) collection in your community. See the Hazardous Waste section of this website.
- On your next outing, bring them to one of the compact fluorescent light bulb collection sites listed below and drop off in the appropriate bin (see photos below).
IMPORTANT: Be extremely careful when depositing your CFLs in the bin (see photos below) to avoid breakage and mercury emanations.
List of Locations Where to Deposit your Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs):
BAKER BROOK
Épicerie le Roi du boeuf (Grocery Store)
CLAIR
Familiprix – Eric Lee Pharmacy
Home Hardware
DRUMMOND
Guay Entreprises Ltd
EDMUNDSTON
Canadian Tire
Carrefour Assomption (Shopping Mall – near elevator first floor)
Jean Coutu
Kent
RONA
GRAND FALLS
Canadian Tire
Jean Coutu
Kent
Toner Home Hardware
LAC-BAKER
Municipal Office
RIVIÈRE-VERTE
Maurice Thibodeau Redemption Center
Municipal Office
SAINTE-ANNE
Familiprix – Roy Pharmacy
SAINT-FRANÇOIS
RONA – D.E. Landry & fils Ltd
SAINT LEONARD
One Stop Redemption Centre (11467, Route 144)
Quincaillerie Ray Hardware
SAINT-QUENTIN
Gaétan Bossé Redemption Center
Home Hardware
RONA Matériaux Parent
NEW DENMARK
Hansen’s Meat Shop
Safe Disposal Program
As far as energy saving is concerned, CFLs are a good choice. However, when comes the time to dispose of them, a large quantity of this hazardous waste can become a problem since it contains mercury.
Concerned with this possibility, the NWRSC Solid Waste Service has introduced in 2010, a compact fluorescent light bulb collection program in the Northwest region. Bins have been placed in key places where residents can safely dispose of their used light bulbs. Pick-up is carried out on a regular basis.
For any questions regarding the collection of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), please contact us at 1-506-263-3470 or 1-800-561-0456.