Acceptable Lights

This program covers fluorescent lights marketed for use in residences or households that are designed to be removed by the user.
There are two general categories of fluorescent lights commonly used for residential lighting:

• Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) – fluorescent bulbs that are typically similar in size and intended to replace an incandescent (traditional) light bulb in a residential setting. The program accepts all types and shapes of CFLs from homes including pin-type sockets, covered CFLs and various output wattages.
• Fluorescent tubes – these long tubes come in different lengths (such as 8 feet, 4 feet or shorter) and widths (such as T5s, T8s or T12s) as well as sometimes in curved or circular shapes. Maximum acceptable length is 8ft.
• Also accepted are accidently broken, residential-use, compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and fluorescent tubes in sealed plastic bags or sealed glass containers.

Not Acceptable Lights

• CFLs and fluorescent tubes from non-residential source such as from commercial operations, institutions or industry
• All light bulbs that are not CFLs or fluorescent tubes such as incandescent, halogen, LED or HID
• Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and fluorescent tubes that have been intentionally crushed or broken. For example, CFL or fluorescent tubes that have been processed by a bulb eater or drum top crusher.

Maximum Return Limit

• Maximum limit for return at one time is 16 CFLs or fluorescent tubes or a combination of types

If you have more than 16 units that were used in a residential setting to recycle at one time, please contact Product Care Association

Commercial Lights

The current program does not accept fluorescent lights used in a commercial, institutional or industrial setting. The BC Recycling Regulation requires a program to be in place for these types of light bulbs by July 1, 2012, and as such a program for these lights will be expected to be in place by July 1, 2012. In the meantime, please call the recycling hotline at 1-800-667-4321 for a listing of locations that currently accept commercial lights.