How to dispose of light bulbs the right way at home

Nothing lasts forever, including light bulbs. But what happens when they burn out or break? That’s where it gets tricky, as different bulbs have different methods of disposal.

In this article, we’ll share how to dispose of light bulbs by type and why it matters to discard light bulbs properly.

Why proper light bulb disposal matters

Different light bulbs are made with materials that, if not handled correctly, can contaminate the soil, air, and water. For instance, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and fluorescent tubes contain mercury, a toxic metal that, when released into the air or seeps into groundwater, can damage the brain, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system, especially in young children and pregnant women.

Other types of bulbs also have their hazards. LED bulbs, which are often seen as a safer alternative, usually contain lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals used in their circuit boards, solder, and internal components. Lead is especially harmful to brain development in children, while arsenic is a known carcinogen. 

Fluorescent bulbs contain a white powdery substance called phosphor, which coats the inside of the glass. This powder is essential to how they produce visible light, but it includes traces of harmful elements like cadmium and rare earth metals. If the glass breaks, phosphor dust can become airborne, and inhalation can pose health risks to humans and animals.

As such, proper light bulb disposal matters to prevent these risks. 

Additionally, proper disposal matters because of what we can recover. Many parts of light bulbs, such as glass, aluminum, brass, and even rare metals like tungsten, can be recycled and reused, reducing the need for new raw materials and cutting down on the energy and pollution that comes with mining and manufacturing.

Beyond environmental impact, legal compliance is another reason to dispose of light bulbs properly. In many areas, it’s illegal to throw certain bulbs into household trash. Businesses, schools, households, and organizations are required by law to follow strict disposal protocols. This has also led to the growing increase of disposal options with local recycling centers, hazardous waste collection events, and even take-back programs at major hardware stores, making it easier to do the right thing.

How to dispose of light bulbs by type

Some bulbs can safely go in your household trash, while others contain materials that make them too dangerous for landfills. Knowing how to dispose of each type properly helps you avoid injury and protects the environment.

Incandescent and halogen bulbs

Incandescent and halogen bulbs don’t contain hazardous materials like mercury, so in most areas, you can safely discard them in your regular household trash. That said, the glass can still shatter easily, so it’s best to wrap them in paper, bubble wrap, or place them back in their original packaging before disposal. This simple step helps protect sanitation workers and anyone else handling your garbage from cuts or injury.

Meanwhile, if you’re feeling crafty, you can upcycle old incandescent or halogen bulbs into DIY projects like small vases, mini terrariums, or holiday ornaments.

CFL light bulb disposal (compact fluorescent lights)

CFLs pack a punch when it comes to environmental risks. They contain mercury, which is harmful if released into the air or water, so you should never throw them in the regular trash. Instead, take your used CFLs to participating retailers like Home Depot, IKEA, or Lowe's, or to household hazardous waste facilities and community recycling events that accept mercury-containing items. Proper disposal ensures that mercury stays sealed away from people and the planet.

Fluorescent light bulb disposal

Like CFLs, fluorescent tubes contain mercury and are considered hazardous waste. Take them to a recycling center or a hazardous waste collection event. However, note that they are fragile and can break easily, so handle them with care and transport them in a sturdy box or container to prevent accidents.

LED light bulb disposal

LEDs don’t contain mercury, which makes them safer for the environment. Although many still include lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals inside their internal components. Hence, you shouldn’t toss them in household trash.

Instead, take your used LEDs to recycling programs at home improvement stores, municipal waste facilities, or designated electronic recycling drop-off points. These programs can recover valuable materials like copper, aluminum, and rare earth metals from the bulbs.

Where to dispose of light bulbs responsibly

Several convenient options exist to make it easier to dispose of used bulbs the right way. Here's where to start:

Local recycling centers and waste collection programs

Your city or county likely has a waste management program that includes specific rules on how to dispose of different types of bulbs. Many municipalities also operate household hazardous waste drop-off sites or organize special collection days for items like fluorescent tubes and CFLs.

You can find the “What Goes Where” tool on your city or district’s official website or use the Earth911 search engine to look up how and where to dispose of or recycle specific items in your area.

Retailer recycling programs

Major home improvement and furniture retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and IKEA offer in-store recycling programs for commonly used bulbs. These programs are free, and they place collection bins near the entrance or customer service area.

However, call ahead or check online before going, as not all locations accept every type of bulb. Some may exclude long fluorescent tubes or accept only CFLs. 

Mail-in and specialty recycling services

If you live in a rural area, don’t have access to nearby recycling programs, or have bulk disposal needs, you can use mail-in recycling services, like LampRecycle, RecyclePak, and TerraCycle, to safely package and ship used bulbs. 

These services are an excellent alternative for items like long fluorescent tubes, specialty lighting, or large quantities of LEDs that local programs may not accept. While some services may come with a fee, they offer peace of mind knowing your bulbs are handled according to strict environmental and safety standards.

What to do when a light bulb breaks

When a light bulb breaks, the compounds inside are instantly released into the air and scattered across the floor. Here’s how to minimize contamination and safely clean it up.

• Ask people and pets to leave immediately, and open windows or doors to air out the space. Turn off the central air or heating to prevent mercury vapor from circulating.
• Avoid vacuuming or sweeping. Instead, wear disposable gloves and use a stiff cardboard or thick paper to gently scoop up large glass shards and bulb fragments. Place these pieces into a rigid, sealable container, like a glass jar with a metal lid or a thick plastic tub.
• Next, use sticky tape to pick up smaller shards and powder. Press it carefully over the affected area and add the used tape to your container.
• Wipe the area with a damp paper towel or disposable cloth to clean up any remaining residue or dust. Be especially thorough if the bulb contained mercury or phosphor powder.
• Seal all cleanup materials, including the gloves and cloths, inside the container. 
• If you handled a CFL or fluorescent bulb, take the sealed container to a local hazardous waste facility or recycling center that accepts mercury-containing bulbs. For non-mercury bulbs like incandescent, halogen, or LEDs, check your local guidelines once everything is sealed in a sturdy container. In many areas, it’s okay to dispose of them in household trash, but avoid placing loose shards in a bag that could harm sanitation workers.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after cleaning up.

Final tips for safe light bulb disposal

Always check local regulations before throwing away light bulbs, as disposal rules vary. In the meantime, store used bulbs safely in a sturdy container or their original packaging until you can dispose of them properly. Remember to keep them out of reach of children and pets to prevent breakage and exposure. 

It’s also important not to mix different bulb types during storage or disposal, as each one has specific handling requirements. For instance, mercury light bulb disposal is to hazardous waste facilities, as LEDs are to electronics recycling programs.