Energy-saving fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), also known as compact fluorescent light bulbs use less electricity and last longer than conventional light bulbs, but they also contain small amounts of mercury, a poisonous heavy metal, which is used to produce their light. In small amounts, these fluorescent tubes along with CFLs are not legally considered hazardous waste in Ontario or Michigan , where Toronto currently landfills its waste. However, the City of Toronto directs residents to safely dispose of fluorescent tubes and CFLs using one of the following options:

• Drop off fluorescent tubes and CFLs at one of the City's six Solid Waste drop-off depots that take household hazardous waste (HHW) (PDF). You may also get a list of depot locations by calling 311.
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• Make an appointment with Toronto's "Toxics Taxi" service by calling 311 if you have a minimum of 10 litres or up to a maximum of 50 litres of household hazardous waste to pick up your HHW.

• Bring fluorescent tubes and CFLs to your local Community Environment Day event.

What happens to fluorescent tubes and CFLs?
Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps/compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are sent for recycling to a Kitchener area company in Ayr, Ontario that captures the mercury in CFLs and sells it for reuse (more information about recycling mercury).