Light Bulb Recycling Guide

Incandescent Light Bulbs

Incandescent lights, which feature a wire filament encased in a glass bulb, were once the standard in most homes. But because they’ve got a short life span and aren’t energy efficient, incandescent light bulbs have been widely replaced by CFL and LED bulbs.

The materials used to make incandescent bulbs can be recycled. However, because it’s so easy to break and difficult to separate the metal and glass, most recycling services won’t accept them. It’s just not worth their time. They’re safe to throw in your trash and can be upcycled, too.

If you have old incandescent bulbs to recycle, check local specialized or mail-in services.