Government of Canada Takes Decisive Action to Phase Out Mercury-Containing Lamps

The Government of Canada continues its commitment to environmental protection and public health with significant measures aimed at reducing mercury pollution. Building on its legacy of stringent mercury regulations, Canada is taking a bold step forward to eliminate mercury-containing lamps from the market.

Today, Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced the publication of the final Regulations Amending the Products Containing Mercury Regulations. These amendments will prohibit the import and manufacture of the most common mercury-containing lamps used for general lighting purposes by December 31, 2025.

This regulatory milestone aligns Canada with the international Minamata Convention on Mercury, which aims to reduce global mercury pollution. The National Strategy for Lamps Containing Mercury identifies this prohibition as a critical priority, targeting a substantial decrease in mercury emissions from lamps. By 2035, the new regulations are projected to reduce mercury releases from lamps by 91 percent, equating to 681 kilograms, and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 4.6 megatonnes.

Since the initial implementation of the Products Containing Mercury Regulations in 2015, the availability of mercury-free alternatives has significantly increased. Consequently, most lamps that were previously exempt now have safer substitutes on the market. To ensure a smooth transition, the new regulations include a two-year exemption period, allowing the continued import and manufacture of replacement lamps for specific types, such as pin-base compact fluorescent lamps, straight fluorescent lamps, and non-linear fluorescent lamps, until the end of 2027. Retailers will have until the end of 2029 to sell their remaining stock of these replacement lamps.

“Given the significant negative impact of mercury on human health, natural resources, and the environment, we have further strengthened our regulations in an effort to reduce the use and release of mercury into our surroundings. These measures are part of our ongoing commitment to minimizing mercury exposure, and we will continue collaborating with our various partners to further protect public health and the environment.”
— Mark Holland, Minister of Health

Although mercury-containing lamps are safe when intact, broken lamps can release mercury, contaminating indoor spaces and the environment. Safe handling and recycling of these lamps are essential. Canadians can access various disposal methods depending on their location. Provinces with light-recycling extended producer responsibility programs should visit Product Care Recycling for the nearest depot. Residents of other provinces and territories should contact local municipalities for safe disposal options.

By phasing out mercury-containing lamps, Canada reaffirms its dedication to environmental stewardship and public health, paving the way for a cleaner and safer future.