Compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) safety

As the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) increases among Saskatchewan residents, SaskPower is ensuring customers have current and accurate information regarding the safety of CFLs and the mercury they contain.

When comparing the amount of mercury in a CFL against the energy saved by using CFLs instead of incandescent light bulbs, CFLs provide an important net benefit to our environment.

  • CFLs reduce the electricity used in our homes and businesses, so SaskPower doesn’t have to produce as much electricity.
  • As a result, less mercury and other greenhouse gases are emitted from coal-fired power generation plants.

Mercury

No mercury is released when CFL bulbs are in use and there is no direct health risk posed by the mercury in the lamps when they are used properly. Read all packaging to ensure the CFLs you buy are used in the proper light application.

While CFLs do have between 2 and 5 milligrams of mercury inside of them, by comparison a watch battery contains about 25 mg of mercury, the bulbs are safe for you and your family. The mercury is contained within the bulbs and is not a problem with proper usage.

Check out this ENERGY STAR® fact sheet to learn more about CFLs and mercury.

CFLs are not a fire hazard

Using CFLs improperly can make the bulbs too hot, causing the bulbs to burn out early. In the worst-case scenario, CFLs used improperly may smoke, change colours and char around the base. However, CFLs are not a fire hazard.

Disposing of your CFLs

Even though they last up to eight times longer than incandescent bulbs, CFLs eventually do burn out. Proper steps must be taken to handle and dispose of CFLs, similar to steps that would be taken in disposing of other common but toxic household items such as paint, batteries and thermostats.

Rather than tossing them in the garbage (where they will ultimately end up in a landfill), recycling is a much more environmentally responsible way to dispose of your CFL bulbs. CFLs can now be taken to Home Depot locations across Canada and placed in the store’s recycling units. Home Depot monitors these units and, when full, sends the bulbs to be responsibly recycled.

Other recommended disposal options include:

  • Household hazardous waste day pilot programs in select cities that are funded by the Government of Saskatchewan. Contact your local community for more information.
  • Fee for service waste disposal companies.
  • Storing the bulbs until a province-wide program is available.

Saskatchewan Environment is currently working with the federal government, industry and municipalities to establish long-term solutions for CFL disposal.  Please check with your local municipality for more information.

What do I do if a CFL breaks?

If your CFL breaks during regular use, the Government of Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency has guidelines on how to properly clean up and dispose of broken CFLs:

  • Open windows to ventilate the area for a few minutes
  • Wear rubber gloves as you remove the debris
  • Clean the area (damp paper towel on hard surfaces; sticky tape and vacuum on carpet)
  • Dispose of all items used in clean up in a sealed plastic bag

Want to learn more about CFLs? Check out these helpful links.


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