Thanks to more efficient and longer-lasting options such as compact fluorescent light (CFL) and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs, light bulbs no longer burn out as frequently as they formerly did. However, all light bulbs ultimately burn out or go bad, leaving you wondering what to do with them.

Can You Recycle Light-Emitting Diodes?

In brief, absolutely. However, it's not as easy as putting a burned-out light bulb in the trash with old cardboard and empty cans. Each type of light bulb is constructed from unique materials that cannot all be recycled.

Incandescent Illumination

Historically, incandescent lighting, which consists of a wire filament wrapped in a glass bulb, was the norm in most households. Incandescent light bulbs have been rapidly replaced with CFL and LED bulbs due to their short lifespan and lack of energy efficiency.

The components of incandescent light bulbs are recyclable. However, because they are so fragile and difficult to separate, most recycling services will not accept them. It simply does not merit their time. They are safe to throw out and can even be recycled.

If you wish to recycle old incandescent light bulbs, check with a local specialist or mail-in services.

CFL Illumination Bulbs

Popular because they consume less energy than incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights can be recognized by their winding glass tubes. However, they contain mercury, a poisonous metal that can pollute the air and water. Because mercury can seep into the soil and groundwater, mercury-containing materials should never be disposed of in the trash.

Some home improvement businesses recycle intact CFL bulbs. CFL bulbs are accepted by both mail-in and specialized recycling services.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

As with compact fluorescent light bulbs, fluorescent light bulbs – those lengthy glass tubes — contain mercury and must be replaced with care. Additionally, several home centers provide recycling services for these bulbs. Check online or phone your local retailer before you travel there.

Local waste collectors have varied regulations regarding the recycling and disposal of fluorescent bulbs, so verify with whoever collects your trash and recyclables beforehand.

LED Illumination Bulbs

You probably haven't frequently considered discarding or recycling LED bulbs. They can live five times longer than compact fluorescent light bulbs and thirty times longer than incandescent bulbs. They are also significantly easier to recycle because they do not contain mercury or dangerous compounds.

As LED lights contain a microchip, certain electronic recycling services and merchants will take them. Check with your regular curbside recycling provider to determine if these items can be placed in your bin. If not, they may have a location where these items can be dropped off.

Halogen Light Bulbs

Halogen bulbs, like incandescent lamps, include glass-encased wire filaments. However, the glass is significantly thicker, and the bulb is sealed with halogen gas.

Because the glass contains quartz, which melts at a different temperature than normal glass, it cannot be recycled. Check with your waste management organization to see whether they offer recycling options for halogen lights. There are more recycling options for halogen light bulbs, including those offered by select merchants.