CFL recycle program gets green light

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited (Toronto Hydro) unveiled a new program to enable Torontonians to safely and easily dispose of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Toronto Hydro is the first electric utility in Canada to offer its own on-site CFL Recycling Program.

City residents can now dispose of end-of-life, unbroken "CFLs" at convenient Toronto Hydro Recycling Program locations free of charge, to be safely recycled by the utility.

Switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to CFLs is a simple step people can take to become more energy efficient. CFLs save up to 75 per cent in electricity consumption costs and last up to five years. However CFLs contain a small amount of mercury that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly.

By retiring old bulbs to a dedicated Toronto Hydro CFL Recycling Program location, the utility will ensure 98 per cent of each bulb is recycled, diverting waste and hazardous materials from landfills.

"Toronto Hydro's programs have put more than 1 million CFL bulbs in homes across the City, saving millions of kilowatt hours. Now, this new recycling service gives Torontonians an opportunity to continue making environmentally responsible choices," said David O'Brien, President and Chief Executive Officer, Toronto Hydro Corporation. "With CFLs, customers can save both electricity and money. Now, customers can also reduce the impact of used CFLs on the environment through responsible disposal."

The components of the used CFL bulbs, including glass, aluminium and brass, are separated and recycled. Innovative pollution protection technologies ensure that the mercury vapour and phosphor powder in each bulb stays out of landfills.

CFL Recycling Program drop-offs are in the main lobby of Toronto Hydro's locations at 14 Carlton Street and 5800 Yonge Street, available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Spent CFL bulbs should be brought to CFL Recycling Program locations in a sealed plastic bag in case of accidental breakage. All plastic bags will be recycled by Toronto Hydro.

For more information about the CFL Recycling Program, visit: www.torontohydro.com/cflrecycling.