Light Bulbs
Where to Recycle: Community Drop-Off Events and Centers and Select Retailers
Determining how to recycle or dispose of used light bulbs can be tricky, as lighting technology can differ greatly between different products. Light bulb types include light-emitting diodes (LED), compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL), incandescent, and halogen bulbs. Of these types, LED bulbs are by far the most long-lasting and energy efficient, lasting significantly longer than other types of light bulbs. CFL bulbs provide an energy-efficient alternative to traditional incandescent light bulbs.
To find options for recycling light bulbs, consider checking with retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, Batteries & Bulbs, your local electric utility, or a nearby recycling center that provides recycling services during household hazardous waste events. While you should never throw CFL mercury-containing bulbs in the trash, if you are unable to find a recycling location for certain types of bulbs, you may dispose of them in your trash bin. Ensure to wrap the glass with electrical tape or in a tear-proof bag to ensure the safety of disposal workers.
Why can’t this item go in my curbside bin?
CFL bulbs contain some hazardous materials, namely mercury which is safely contained inside the CFL. When these bulbs are broken or improperly disposed of, however, harmful mercury can be released causing impacts to human health and the environment. The U.S. EPA provides guidance on the safe cleanup of broken CFLs.
It's worth noting that light bulbs are made of recyclable materials like metal and glass. However, due to the presence of hazardous materials and the complexity of recycling mixed materials, proper disposal can be challenging. For this reason, light bulbs should never go in curbside recycling bins.
What types of this material qualify for recycling?
Make sure you are checking your bulbs to understand what type of lightbulb you may have. Some recycling drop-off centers and mail-back programs will accept certain types of light bulbs. Typically, light bulbs will identify by type directly on the base of the bulb or list an identification number like “F30T12/CW/RS.” Each number and letter is used to signify type, shape, wattage, and more. In the above example, the F stands for Fluorescent, signifying that the bulb is a CFL. You can also use a guide to determine bulb type.
What is it recycled into?
The components copper and aluminum, glass, mercury, and sometimes plastics can go into manufacturing new lightbulbs or products that use these materials.
