How to Recycle Light Bulbs for Free

More than 670 million light bulbs are discarded every year in the U.S., mostly into landfills, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These bulbs contain a toxic chemical known as mercury that can affect the food chain, if not disposed of properly. Once a hard-to-recycle item, light bulbs are now recyclable for free nationwide. National retailers and waste companies offer free recycling for burned-out and unbroken light bulbs, reusing components from metal to glass.

• 1

  Check with your local recycling facility and city municipality to see if a specific program for recycling light bulbs exists. Many communities have special hard-to-recycle or hazardous material recycling events, often free, where citizens can bring light bulbs for recycling. Special events surrounding Earth Day also typically offer opportunities to recycle light bulbs free. For specific information by state, visit epa.gov/osw/hazard/wastetypes/universal/lamps/live.htm.

• 2

  Bring your bulbs to Home Depot, Ace Hardware or Ikea (see References). All will recycle your bulbs free, as long as none are broken. Simply put all burned-out bulbs in a bag and deposit in store collection bins or ask customer service where to make the dropoff. It is important to note that not all locations participate in recycling, so check the specific store website or first call your closest location.

• 3

  Turn bulbs into crafts. Craft ideas, intended only for older children and adults for safety reasons, are available online, including Christmas ornaments, vases, salt and pepper shakers and other creative ideas (see References). This provides a free way to reuse spent light bulbs and generate cheap, but thoughtful gifts.

• 4

  Follow specific instructions from the EPA, if you have broken light bulbs. Broken light bulbs are not recyclable, and should not be disposed of in regular garbage. Access the EPA at epa.gov/cfl/cflcleanup.html.

• 5

  Remove your burned-out light bulbs after they have cooled. Make sure the lamp is turned off, once you have found a place to recycle the bulbs. Store in a safe place where they won't break until you are ready to recycle. Follow the recycling center's specific instructions for how to recycle the bulbs.