Ontario pioneers fluorescent recycling

TORONTO, ONTARIO - Each year, Ontario businesses, factories and institutions throw out 30 million fluorescent tubes, but now greener solution exists for those mercury-laden lights than the landfill.

Take Back the Light is North America's first comprehensive fluorescent tube recycling program for the industrial, commercial and institutional sector, said Jo-Anne St. Godard, executive director of the Recycling Council of Ontario.

The banning of incandescent light bulbs as of 2012, which will drive consumers to compact fluorescents, has focused attention on how to safely dispose of such lights.

But right now, the bulk of the mercury in lights is found in the long fluorescent tubes found in offices and factories and that's the focus of this program, St. Godard said.

The initial goal of the program, run by the council, is to recycle 10 million fluorescent tubes by 2012.

The province, which is a partner in the program, will contribute 1 million lights a year, by the fourth year, from its 3,500 provincially owned and operated buildings.

"Government has a key role to play by cleaning up our own house and by setting the example for industry and the general public," Environment Minister John Gerretsen said.

Most fluorescent tube lights are not being recycled, which leaves the potential for the mercury in them to seep into Ontario's air, water and soil, St. Godard said.

The province plans to include compact fluorescents in the second phase of its hazardous waste recycling program, which is at least a year away.

Related News

Town of Gander forgives $250K debt from local curling club

GANDER - Gander town council has agreed to forgive the local curling club's debt of over $250,000.

Gina Brown, chair of the town council's finance committee, says the agreement has been put in place to help the curling club survive.

"When we took a look at this and realized there was a significant outstanding debt for Gander curling club … we have to mitigate," Brown told CBC Newfoundland Morning. "[Getting] what the taxpayers are owed, with also understanding and appreciating the role that that recreational facility plays in our community."

According to Brown, the debt comes from a combination of taxes and loans,…

READ MORE
louisiana power grid destroyed

Louisiana power grid needs 'complete rebuild' after Hurricane Laura, restoration to take weeks

READ MORE

scott fielding

Manitoba looking to raise electricity rates 2.5 per cent each year for 3 years

READ MORE

Bruce nuclear reactor taken offline as $2.1B project 'officially' begins

READ MORE

consumers energy

Michigan Public Service Commission grants Consumers Energy request for more wind generation

READ MORE