What to Know About Recycling a Light Bulb
Do you pause and think when you go to throw away a burnt-out light bulb? You may be curious if light bulbs can be recycled.
The answer is yes. You can recycle most light bulbs, but you shouldn’t toss them into your recycling bin. In most cases, recycling light bulbs must be done carefully at a facility that can handle them. The reasons for this extra step is because of the following:
Reusable materials.
Many raw materials inside light bulbs, like metal and glass, are reusable. Reusing these materials saves energy and resources.
Hazardous materials.
Some light bulbs contain dangerous materials like mercury. These materials can seep into soil and groundwater if tossed into a landfill.
Legality.
In some places, it’s illegal to throw light bulbs away with the regular trash.
How to Recycle Different Types of Light Bulbs
Incandescent and halogen bulbs.
Incandescent and halogen bulbs don’t contain any hazardous materials or electrical components. So unless local regulations require, you aren’t obligated to recycle incandescent and halogen bulbs. But some recycling facilities may recycle the glass and metal components. Check with recycling centers in your area.
LED Bulbs
LED light bulbs are not only a highly efficient option, but they are also relatively safe. While they contain some nickel and lead, they are not manufactured with dangerous gases and other substances that require special care, making them recyclable.
The most significant danger in disposing of LED light bulbs is the razor-sharp glass shards that can result when they shatter. Many recycling centers ask that you put each bulb into a plastic bag to contain the pieces if the bulb shatters. Unfortunately, if specified by your city, you cannot recycle LED light bulbs in your regular curbside pick-up bins.
Many big box retailers have recycling bins at their stores. You can also call your local municipality to see if they have light bulb recycling locations or special days. If you can’t find them anywhere local, some retailers and waste management companies allow you to mail them in for a fee.
CFL Light Bulbs
These types of bulbs are the most difficult to handle. In many areas, it is illegal to throw them away. Recycling is required. Handling them is challenging since they contain mercury. This toxic metal can harm you if you are directly exposed to it or, if used bulbs are allowed into the environment, they can break and leach mercury into the soil and water table.
The EPA provides guidance for recycling light bulbs like these and a link to the Earth911 website that can help you find a safe place to dispose of CFL and fluorescent bulbs. In addition, this downloadable brochure has CFL safety tips for using and disposing of these bulbs.
Where to Recycle Light Bulbs
Learning where to take your used light bulbs might be the trickiest aspect of recycling them. Here are the best places for recycling light bulbs:
Curbside recycling
This is a good option for incandescent and halogen light bulbs but check with your municipality first to be sure they are allowed.
Local retail stores
As a service to customers, many national chains and local retailers have recycling bins designed for LED or CFL bulbs.
Recycling centers
If they take light bulbs, recycling centers often have special facilities for handling them.
Waste management facilities
Some of the larger waste management companies either recycle or can facilitate recyclables to specialists. You’ll need to contact those operating in your area to find out if they do it and how.
Mail-in recycling
You can also mail your used bulbs–often for a fee–to companies that specialize in handling them.
