Liberals enforce ban on once-promoted fluorescent bulbs

The federal government has begun enforcing a national ban on compact fluorescent light bulbs that were previously promoted as environmentally friendly energy savers.

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The federal government has begun enforcing a national ban on compact fluorescent light bulbs that were previously promoted as environmentally friendly energy savers, now citing concerns over mercury contamination.

The move, first reported by Blacklocks Reporter, follows the implementation of regulations drafted in 2024 by then-environment minister Steven Guilbeault that prohibit manufacturing and importing most mercury-containing lamps.

“Between 2026 and 2030, the import, manufacture and sale of the most common types of lamps containing mercury will be progressively prohibited in Canada,” said France Gionet, a spokesperson for the Department of Environment. “This phase-out reflects the evolving lighting technology.”

The ban applies to commonly used tube and screw-in compact fluorescent bulbs, which contain trace amounts of mercury. Enforcement began in the first week of 2026 following a three-year phase-in period intended to allow retailers to sell existing inventory.

“The three-year phase out was intended to give retailers enough time to sell existing stock,” Gionet said.

The department advised homeowners to take used compact fluorescent bulbs to municipal hazardous or toxic waste depots rather than dispose of them in household garbage.

Guilbeault introduced the Products Containing Mercury Regulations in 2024, saying at the time that the measures were needed to reduce environmental and health risks associated with mercury exposure.

In a 2024 Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement, the department said the goal was to reduce mercury releases into the environment.

“The main objective of the regulations is to protect Canadians by lowering the risk of mercury releases into the environment from products in Canada,” the department wrote. “Mercury is a global contaminant.”

The enforcement marks a reversal from earlier federal policy that actively promoted compact fluorescent bulbs as safe, climate-friendly alternatives to traditional incandescent lighting.

In 2003, Ottawa launched Project Porchlight, a federal campaign endorsed by environmental groups, that distributed 200,000 free compact fluorescent bulbs to households across the country.

“Are compact fluorescent bulbs safe? Yes!” said a federal fact sheet distributed during the campaign. “They have a minute amount of mercury. If they break they do not pose a health risk.”

Environmental activist David Suzuki publicly supported the initiative at the time.

“We all have a role in protecting the health of our communities and reducing greenhouse gases,” Suzuki said. “Project Porchlight is accomplishing both goals one light bulb at a time.”

Federal regulators later issued safety guidance acknowledging risks associated with broken fluorescent bulbs. A 2014 federal guide titled What To Do If A Fluorescent Lamp Breaks advised homeowners to clear rooms of people and pets, ventilate the area and wear disposable gloves during cleanup.

“Remove people and pets from the room,” the guide said. “Ventilate the room for 15 minutes prior to starting clean-up. Wear disposable gloves.”

Parliament addressed disposal concerns in 2017 with the passage of Bill C-238, An Act Respecting Development Of A National Strategy For The Safe Disposal Of Lamps Containing Mercury.

“There are probably 100 million of these bulbs in Canada,” Liberal MP Darren Fisher said during debate on the bill.

“How many people know?” Fisher asked. “How many people, when they throw that mercury-bearing light bulb in the garbage, even give it another thought?”

The environment department said the ban reflects the availability of newer lighting technologies that do not contain mercury, including LED products, which have largely replaced compact fluorescent bulbs in the consumer market.

Similar measures have been adopted in several U.S. states, including California, New York, and Massachusetts, where environmental and public health concerns over mercury have led to bans or phased restrictions on common fluorescent lighting products, with most taking effect between 2024 and 2029.