Australian standards mandate that compact fluorescents CFLs contain no more than 5mg of mercury and a fluorescent tube cannot contain more than 15mg. The risk of mercury poisoning even when a CFL or fluorescent tube is broken indoors is extremely low. It is the accumulation of mercury in landfill across Australia that is a cause for concern across the wider environment. Currently it is estimated that 95% of mercury-containing lamps are sent to landfill in Australia. Mercury in landfill converts to the toxic methylmercury and spreads through the wider environment through air, water and soil.

CLS is in the process of introducing a lamp recycling program to all our clients known as “FluoroCycle” and is backed by the “Australian Government” and “Lighting Council of Australia”.

“FluoroCycle is a voluntary product stewardship scheme that seeks to increase the national recycling rate of waste mercury-containing lamps. Lamp recycling can help reduce the amount of mercury being sent to landfill. The scheme targets the commercial and industrial sectors where the bulk of waste lamps are generated. It encourages clients to include a requirement in relevant contracts for the recycling of waste mercury-containing lamps, thereby assisting clients to become eligible as a Signatory of FluoroCycle” (source: www.fluorocycle.org.au)

CLS are still in the process of becoming accredited and should be completed soon.