This article is your complete guide on how to recycle light bulbs. Each light bulb has a proper way to dispose of it, with CFL bulbs needing to be taken to a hardware store to be recycled because they have mercury in them.
But, if you want to learn the proper way for each bulb that might be in your house, keep reading!
Here at The Energy Professor, we want to give you the information you need to not only save money on your energy bill, but to also become more energy efficient. We hope find this post helpful and make it easier for you to know the proper way to recycle light bulbs. Be sure to also check out our one of a kind energy savings calculator!
The Energy Professor Electricity Rate Check Tool
How to Recycle Light Bulbs
There can be between 50 – 100 light bulbs in one household, so it is important to know how to dispose of light bulbs. With certain bulbs, it’s as easy as safely tossing them in your trash, but with other bulbs, you might have to take them to your local hardware store to properly dispose of them. Our guide is going to cover all the light bulbs you might find in your home and how to recycle them.
What kind of light bulbs can be recycled?
- Incandescent Bulbs: Traditional bulbs with a glass bulb enclosing a thin filament. They typically have a warm, yellowish glow and come in various shapes, including A19 (standard) and globe styles.
- CFL or Fluorescent Bulbs: Compact bulbs that usually feature a spiral or elongated shape, with a glass tube filled with gas. They have a more subdued light compared to incandescents and often come in a white or soft white finish.
- LED Bulbs: Bulbs are available in various shapes, including standard, globe, and floodlight styles. They often have a sleek design, with a plastic or glass exterior, and can emit a range of colors, from warm white to cool daylight.
- Halogen Bulbs: Clear or frosted bulbs with a glass exterior, often resembling traditional incandescent bulbs but usually smaller and more compact. They emit a bright, white light and are commonly found in reflector styles for focused lighting.
How to recycle incandescent light bulbs
Incandescent bulbs do not need to be recycled and can be tossed into the trash, preferably wrapped for safety. While incandescent light bulbs can be recycled, the small amount of metal and glass that are fused makes it difficult. With that being said, always check out your curbside recycling program to see what they accept. If not, your local recycling center may be available for drop-off when recycling light bulbs.
How to recycle CFL light bulbs
A CFL bulb or a compact fluorescent light bulb is pretty common due to the low use of energy but is very harmful if broken. CFLs have about 4 mg of mercury in them, which when broken, gives them the ability to pollute our water supply when not recycled.
You should recycle fluorescent bulbs, or attempt to dispose of them properly because of the toxins that are inside of them. The proper way of disposing of light bulbs that are either fluorescent or CFLs is to take them to your hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot to ask if they take them.
Typically places like this will have receptacles at the entrance of the store with light bulb recycling signs so guests can see them.
How to recycle LED light bulbs
LED light bulbs are the most efficient light bulbs on the market and can last up to 30 times longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs. LED bulbs do not contain any hazardous materials in them and can be tossed in the trash if necessary.
But, there are ways to recycle LED bulbs and should be considered since there are a lot of parts that can be reused in them. If you are looking to recycle LED light bulbs, make sure to check with your local recycling program or hardware store for light bulb recycling bins.
How to recycle halogen light bulbs
Halogen bulbs are extremely bright lights that are lightweight and small. Halogen bulbs are mainly made from glass and are typically used for outdoor lighting fixtures. Although they are made of glass, the proper way to handle halogen bulb disposal is not to toss them in your glass recycling. Since there is quartz in them, it does not have the same melting point as glass and would ruin other glass recycling items.
It is recommended to wrap your halogen bulbs and toss them in the regular trash, but there are mail-in and recycling centers to dispose of lightbulbs.
Related post: Complete Guide to the Best Time to Do Laundry
Where to Recycle Light Bulbs
If you’re looking to properly dispose of light bulbs, but don’t know where to look we can help you out! Recycling light bulbs should be easy, and thankfully there are a few different ways you can do so depending on the bulb type.
Where to take light bulbs for recycling:
- Curbside Recycling – One of the easiest ways to dispose of light bulbs is to check and see if your local or private trash company takes bulbs with your pick-up! Make sure that is only with safe bulbs to put in your trash can and not CFLS or fluorescent bulbs.
- Recycling Centers or Stores – If you do not have curbside recycling, try searching local recycling centers to see what kind of bulbs they accept. Certain stores also have bins specifically for disposing of light bulbs. Check hardware stores or even places like Ikea or Target.
- Mail-In – If all else fails, there are mail-in recycling companies that will take your light bulbs. The only issue is that properly disposing of light bulbs through mail means paying extra for durable shipping containers.
Many popular stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement Store offer light bulb recycling programs, which make it super simple to do.
Why is it Important to Recycle Light Bulbs?
Certain light bulbs, like fluorescent lights, contain toxic chemicals inside them that are very dangerous to the environment. CFLS contain mercury, and when they are taken to the landfill, those toxins can leach into the groundwater and affect the drinking supply. That’s why when you properly recycle a light bulb, it is stored and disposed of safely by professionals.
Another reason to want to recycle light bulbs is that they keep waste out of our landfills. Even bulbs without toxic materials in them can be recovered and reused, instead of taking up space and polluting the soil and area around them.
Related post: Complete Guide to the Best Electricity-Saving Devices for Homes
How to Recycle Light Bulbs FAQ
Q: Are light bulbs recyclable?
A: Yes, you can recycle light bulbs, and each type has its process to make sure you are properly disposing of them. CFL light bulbs in certain areas are even illegal to throw away in your normal trash and should always be recycled due to hazardous material.
Q: Can you recycle LED light bulbs?
A: Yes, LED light bulbs can be recycled. Recycling LED light bulbs is an environmentally responsible way to dispose of them and recover valuable materials. LED bulbs contain components such as metal, glass, and electronic circuitry that can be recycled and reused. The recycling process involves separating and processing these materials to be used in the production of new products.
Do you Need Cheaper Electricity?
If you’ve taken the time to understand the information on your bill and discovered you’re paying more than you’d like for your electricity, have you looked around for a cheaper deal? The Energy Professor has a wealth of information on ways to save on your utilities, including details of top deals that could significantly reduce your monthly or quarterly electricity bills.
We hope you found this article helpful! If you are looking for ways to increase the energy efficiency and sustainability in your home be sure to take a look at all of the latest renewable energy options in your area. The Energy Professor helps residential and small business owners find qualified energy suppliers in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Ohio, Maryland, Illinois, and Massachusetts