Can You Throw Light Bulbs in the Trash?
It depends on the type. Incandescent, halogen and LED bulbs contain no mercury and can legally go in the regular trash in most of the US — just wrap or bag them so broken glass doesn't cause injury. CFLs (compact fluorescents) and fluorescent tubes contain a small amount of mercury, so the EPA recommends recycling them instead of trashing them, and some states legally require it. Never send any mercury-containing bulb to an incinerator.
By Bulb Type
A quick guide to each kind:
- Incandescent: no hazard, not recyclable — wrap and put in the trash
- Halogen: same as incandescent — wrap and trash; not accepted in curbside recycling
- LED: no mercury, trash-legal in most of the US, but the metal and electronic parts are recyclable where collection exists
- CFL (compact fluorescent): contains ~3-4 mg mercury — do NOT routinely trash; recycle at a retailer or HHW facility
- Fluorescent tubes: contain mercury like CFLs — take to an HHW facility or a store that accepts tubes; never incinerate
Where to Recycle CFLs & Fluorescent Tubes
Many Home Depot and Lowe's stores take back intact (unbroken) CFL bulbs for free at a bin near the entrance; the EPA also lists IKEA, True Value and others. Batteries Plus Bulbs accepts CFLs, fluorescent tubes and LEDs, though fees may apply — especially for long tubes. Household hazardous waste (HHW) facilities take all mercury-containing bulbs. Note that long fluorescent tubes are often not accepted in the in-store CFL bins, so route tubes to an HHW facility or Batteries Plus. Use the Earth911 locator or your local solid-waste agency to find the nearest option.
What to Do if a CFL Breaks
The EPA has specific cleanup steps because of the mercury. Before cleanup: get people and pets out of the room, air it out for 5-10 minutes with a window open, and shut off central heating or AC. During: do not vacuum first — scoop up glass and powder with stiff cardboard, pick up small pieces with sticky tape, and wipe hard surfaces with a damp paper towel; seal everything in a glass jar or sealable plastic bag. After: put the sealed debris in an outdoor trash container or take it to a recycling/HHW center, keep airing the room, and wash your hands.
Are LED Bulbs Recyclable?
Partly. LEDs contain no mercury and aren't hazardous, so they are trash-legal in most of the US — but they do hold recyclable materials like aluminum heat sinks, copper and small circuit boards. Few curbside programs take them, so to actually recycle them use Batteries Plus (a fee may apply), a municipal e-waste or HHW site, or a participating retail bin; call ahead to confirm.