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Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Programme

Table of content
       

Overview

To enhance public awareness in the recycling of fluorescent lamps and tubes, the Programme provides a Helpdesk Hotline at 5663 9469, operated from 9:00 am–6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Property management or representatives of housing estates and buildings interested in participating in the Programme are welcome to call the Hotline for more information and registration.

Fluorescent lamps, especially compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), are energy-saving lighting equipment. However, the lamps contain glass, metal, and a small amount of mercury, which requires special care during collection and disposal.

The Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Programme (FLRP), established in March 2008, collects and treats mercury-containing lamps — including CFLs, fluorescent tubes, and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps — from households.

Mercury-containing lamps generated from commercial and industrial sectors are not covered by the Programme. These organisations must recycle their lamps in accordance with the Waste Disposal Ordinance. Any premises storing a significant quantity (e.g., over 500 pieces) of used mercury-containing lamps must register with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) as a chemical waste producer and arrange proper collection and treatment at the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre (CWTC).

You might be interested

Button linking to Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Programme collection point locations

Collection Points

What and Where to Recycle

Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Programme visual banner

What to Recycle

The FLRP accepts spent mercury-containing lamps from households, including:

  • Compact fluorescent lamps
    Compact fluorescent lamps examples
  • Other fluorescent lamps (straight tubes and other shapes)
    Straight fluorescent tubes Round fluorescent tubes
  • High intensity discharge (HID) lamps
    Examples of HID lamps

How to Recycle

  1. Place the used lamps in packaging (e.g., reuse packaging from new lamps).
  2. For broken lamps, put them in a plastic bag, seal with adhesive tape, and wear disposable gloves when cleaning up.
  3. Bring the properly wrapped lamps to a Collection Point for recycling.

Where to Recycle

Waste Reduction Map thumbnail

Waste Reduction Map

Treatment of Fluorescent Lamps

What Happens to the Deposited Lamps

Licensed chemical waste collectors transport spent lamps from collection points to the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre (CWTC) for proper treatment. The facility recovers mercury for recycling, and safely treats remaining waste before disposal.

Treatment Facility at CWTC

Lamp Processor at CWTC facility
Lamp Processor
Compact Crush and Separation and HID Lamp Crusher machines
Compact Crush & Separation (CCS) and HID Lamp Crusher
Lamp separation process into glass, powder and metal parts
Fluorescent lamps and tubes are separated into glass, phosphor powder and metal parts.
Mercury recovery process using heat distillation
Mercury-bearing powder is heated and condensed for mercury recovery.

Existing Controls on Mercury-Containing Waste

Lamps generated from commercial and industrial operations, such as shopping malls, property management offices, and schools, are not covered by FLRP. Premises storing over 500 pieces of used mercury-containing lamps must register with the EPD as chemical waste producers and arrange for proper treatment at CWTC.

Join Now

Housing Estates

Housing estate representatives interested in joining can submit the Application Form, or contact the Helpdesk at 5663 9469 for assistance. FLRP will provide collection boxes, publicity materials, and guidance for participating estates.

When collection boxes are full (over 150 pieces) before the scheduled date, estate management can call the Helpdesk for special collection arrangements.

Estates collecting large amounts (over 500 pieces) must register as chemical waste producers, set up proper chemical waste storage areas, and comply with waste labelling and handling regulations.

Supporting Organisations

The following companies support the Programme by providing collection points or other assistance:

  • E Lighting Group Holdings Ltd
  • Japan Home Centre (HK) Ltd
  • Pricerite Stores Ltd
  • Sunshine Lighting Ltd
  • Sun Hung Kai Properties Ltd

Government Departments and NGOs

  • Business Environment Council
  • Environmental Association
  • Friends of the Earth (HK)
  • Green Power
  • Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies
  • Hong Kong Electronics & Technologies Association
  • Hong Kong Housing Authority
  • Hong Kong Housing Society
  • World Green Organisation

Find Out More

Useful Contacts

Collection Service for Participating Estates

  • Respective Recycling Stations of the Green＠Community network (view details here)
  • FLRP Helpdesk Hotline: 5663 9469 (for districts without Green＠Community stations)