Final Up to date on June 6, 2025
Curious what to do with a burnt-out lightbulb? Don’t simply toss it within the trash – it is likely to be recyclable.
I’m personally an enormous fan of LED lightbulbs. Not solely are they higher for the atmosphere – good day power saving – they’re nice in your pockets. Swapping out your lightbulbs is among the best methods to include extra sustainable tech into your property.
That stated, sooner or later or one other, lightbulbs exit. No matter their kind (and there are fairly a couple of – extra on that later), it gained’t final ceaselessly.
Right here’s every part you could find out about the best way to recycle lightbulbs – and in case you can’t, the best way to correctly eliminate them.
what ought to I do with my outdated gentle bulbs?
What you do together with your outdated lightbulbs all is dependent upon the sort of lightbulb they’re. Not all lightbulbs are constructed the identical and each varies when it comes to recyclability.
It’s additionally vital to notice the place you reside will play an enormous issue on this, as recycling legal guidelines fluctuate from state to state – even city to city. All the time double test in your native state web site for particular directions.
Many individuals wishcycle lightbulbs, tossing them into the recycling bin, assuming it will likely be taken care of. Nevertheless, you can not put lightbulbs within the recycling bin.
Most curbside recycling applications are unlikely to just accept them as a result of wires being laborious to separate from the glass or comprise hazardous waste supplies.
That stated, there are some methods to recycle lightbulbs outdoors of curbside recycling. However first, it’s vital to know what kind of lightbulb you’re coping with.
Right here’s a fast run-down of lightbulb sorts:
- Incandescent: Typical, old-school lightbulbs you in all probability have in your desk lamp. Additionally present in automotive headlights. They typically have a heat gentle with a classic design.
- Halogen: These could also be present in automotive headlights and underlighting of kitchen cupboards. Halogen lightbulbs have tungsten filaments housed in a quartz capsule and full of iodine and bromine gases.
- Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL) + Fluorescent tubes: Are typically present in retail areas and warehouses. Include hazardous substances like mercury, lead, and cadmium. They’re sometimes lengthy, skinny tube formed lights, however compact variations typically have a spiral form.
- Mild-emitting diode (LED): These have turn into in style in residential, retail, autos and workplace areas. They sometimes resemble conventional incandescent lightbulbs in design.
are gentle bulbs recyclable or not?
Sure lightbulbs are recyclable however not with curbside recycling. Incandescent lightbulbs can’t sometimes be recycled (except through Terracycle – a paid mail-in service) and should be disposed of through family trash. It’s beneficial to double bag for security.
Nevertheless, the sort of lightbulbs that may be recycled embrace LEDs, Halogens, Fluorescents, and CFL. Be conscious that these usually are not typically accepted for curbside recycling, however moderately with mail-in or drop-off applications.
It’s vital to notice some areas could prohibit disposal and/or require lightbulb recycling. Based on the EPA, the next states prohibit CFLs and different mercury-containing lightbulbs from being discarded into the landfill: California, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Washington.
As a common rule, it’s a good suggestion to brush up in your native state/county recycling legal guidelines to see what’s allowed close to you. Checking your native waste administration or .gov web site may also help you with this.
RELATED: How to Recycle Cellphones + Why You Should
how do you recycle gentle bulbs?
You recycle lightbulbs by discovering ample drop-off areas that may take them off your palms, or mail-in providers. Some states do provide restricted curbside recycling of sure lightbulbs (ex: California gives recycling for CLFs). Be sure that to double test.
Listed below are some methods to recycle lightbulbs:
- Native recycling facilities and retailers which have recycling applications
- Retailer recycling applications (Lowes, House Depot, Ikea)
- Municipal hazardous waste services or secure disposal occasions
- Terracycle (you’ll be able to mail-in conventional, incandescent, and halogen lightbulbs for recycling – however you do must pay for this service)
- Mail-back providers (some bulb producers and different organizations promote pre-labeled recycling kits that permit you to mail used bulbs to recycling facilities – like Ecolights, Lampmaster and Bulbcycle)
When unsure, be sure you test Earth911 to see the place to recycle lightbulbs close to you – simply punch within the sort of bulb it’s and your zip code.
Please be aware that if a lightbulb is damaged, even when it’s a sort of bulb deemed recyclable, it must be disposed of correctly. Use gloves or decide up with a material to keep away from getting harm. If it’s a damaged CFL, or any bulb that incorporates mercury, right here’s what the EPA recommends for cleanup.
does dwelling depot recycle bulbs?
Sure, House Depot does recycle Compact Flourescent Lightbulbs (CFL) so long as they’re not damaged. The recycling bin is often marked on the entrance of the House Depot they usually normally ask you to place it within the plastic bag supplied earlier than inserting it within the bin. Recycling is freed from cost.
upcycling lightbulbs
In the event you’re artful and have the time, think about upcycling outdated lightbulbs right into a enjoyable craft! This can be a nice method to give it a brand new life with out sending it to a landfill.
Listed below are a couple of lightbulb craft concepts to encourage you:
Did you discover this information for recycling lightbulbs useful? Let me know within the feedback!
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