They are generally considered to be safe to use; however, they do contain a small amount of mercury, and should be handled carefully when installing or removing them. Because of the mercury contained in fluorescents, Health Canada has issued guidelines to follow in order to minimize the exposure risk when a CFL bulb or tube is broken. This Guide will help to prevent serious injury when dealing with broken CFL light bulbs.

There are more than 1,200 collection sites in B.C.’s Call2Recycle program, which collect all household batteries and cell phones for recycling. There are also lots of retail stores where you can drop them off in person, including most London drugs stores, Home Depot and Ikea. Type in your postal code on Call2Recycle website to find the recycling depots closest to where you live or work.

Landfill Site Operators are mandated to refuse waste that they suspect may be painted with lead based paint. The wood may need to be treated as a controlled waste and diverted away from the active face or perhaps treated as Hazardous Waste.

A core sample may need to be taken of the wood (including paint) and that sample then tested for TCLP metals. A permit may be given if lab results show the lead level is below 5ppm; anything higher is considered to be a hazardous waste and is not acceptable at most BC Landfills.

Landfills don’t do the sampling or the testing of the wood but they do require the lab results. If the testing shows this as Hazardous Waste, a qualified Disposal Company in your area may be searched here.

Part containers of Pool and Hot Tub Chemicals are very easy to recycle into someone else’s use. A free ad in a local newspaper or on a website such as Craigslist will help you identify someone who is sure to have a use for them.

Local game and shooting clubs may be interested in receiving and/or disposing of ammunition. Failing that, the local detachment of the RCMP is always willing to accept this type of product.

It can be difficult to tell whether your home has materials containing asbestos in it just by looking. As a general rule, if the Building or Home was built:

Before the mid 1980s, it is highly likely that it would have materials containing asbestos.

Between the mid 1980s and 1990, it is likely that it would have materials containing asbestos.

After 1990, it is highly unlikely it would have materials containing asbestos.

A list of experienced British Columbia asbestos removal companies. Search our member directory.

Here is a a link to the Work Safe BC Asbestos information page.

Kitchen grease is considered a Business and/or Commercial Waste; improperly handled, it can clog sewer systems, pollute waterways and contaminate landfills. Consult your local phone pages for a company that specializes in recycling kitchen oil.

When the authorities are involved the decommissioning process is stringently monitored. Permits are taken, the air quality of the home assessed and all work inspected. All grow op related materials remaining behind must be disposed of legally. The next step is to assess the extent of the structural, electrical and environmental damage caused by the grow op. That means the affected area is gutted down to the bare floor and studs. All floor coverings, drywall, vapour barriers, and insulation are considered contaminated.