The federal government is looking to guide Canadians on how to properly dispose of light bulbs that contain mercury. Bill C-238, The National Strategy for Safe and Environmentally Sound Disposal of Lamps Containing Mercury Act, was given the royal assent on June 22nd, 2017. The Bill will introduce the following:
- Commits the government to identify ways to dispose light bulbs safely
- Establish guidelines for disposal facilities
- Promote the program to Canadians
- Environment minister must table the national strategy within 2 years of the Act receiving the royal assent
Prior to Bill C-238, there were no regulations outlining mercury light bulb disposal, which led many Canadians to simply dispose of them in their regular garbage.
The impact the above practice has on the environment is staggering. Dartmouth-Cole Harbour MP Darren Fisher explains that, "about 1,150 kilograms of mercury end up in Canadian landfills each year, and can contaminate the environment."
Considering that mercury is listed as a toxic substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, and knowing the impact these mercury light bulbs have had on our environment, it comes as a surprise that there has not been an Act in place outlining disposal practices. Aside from the federal ban in 2014 on incandescent bulbs, there have not been any additional acts taken to educate Canadians and to lessen the impact of light bulbs on the environment.
Currently, Fisher is encouraging Canadians to hold on to their mercury light bulbs until the new law is introduced, so that they may be disposed of properly.
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