How To Dispose Of LED Bulbs: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Dispose Of Light Bulbs Led » How To Dispose Of LED Bulbs: 6 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Dispose of LED Bulbs PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Marvin Woo and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: February 24, 2025

PDF download Download Article
  • Throwing Away LED Bulbs
    • |
  • Recycling LED Bulbs
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Marvin Woo and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Marvin Woo is a licensed electrician and the Owner of Woo's Electrical & Appliance based in East O’ahu. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in troubleshooting issues and maintaining residential electrical systems. Marvin is both licensed and insured to complete electrical work in the state of Hawaii. This article has been viewed 39,614 times.

LED bulbs are a long-lasting and energy-efficient lighting choice. When one of these bulbs burns out, however, you may be left puzzling over what to do with it. The proper way to dispose of LED bulbs varies from one place to another, so get familiar with your local laws before pitching your old lights in the trash. In many places, you may also have the option to recycle your LED bulbs.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Throwing Away LED Bulbs

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Check your local laws about disposing of LED bulbs. 1 Check your local laws about disposing of LED bulbs. LED bulbs do not contain mercury, so in many places they are considered safe to put in the regular trash.[1] However, since they do contain small amounts of other hazardous chemicals (such as arsenic and lead), your area may require you to recycle your LED bulbs or dispose of them at a special facility.[2] Search online to find the laws for your area.
    • For example, you could use search terms like “Can I throw away LED bulbs in Kane County, IL?”
    • Check your local government website to see if they have information about waste disposal regulations.
  2. Step 2 Throw the bulbs in the garbage if you can legally do so. 2 Throw the bulbs in the garbage if you can legally do so. If it’s okay to do so, simply throw away your used LED bulbs along with your regular trash.[3] Place them in plastic bags or wrap them up in waste paper to keep any sharp pieces from ripping through the garbage bag in case the bulbs break.[4]
    • Keeping the bulbs contained can also help prevent any hazardous materials from escaping in case they break.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Take the bulbs to a hazardous waste facility if necessary. 3 Take the bulbs to a hazardous waste facility if necessary. If it’s against the law in your area to throw your LED bulbs in the regular trash, you may need to bring them to a special facility. Do a search for hazardous waste collection sites near you.
    • Use search terms like “Hazardous waste collection facility near me.” Your local government’s website may also provide a list of collection sites in your area.
    • You may need to follow a specific procedure for disposing of your bulbs at the facility. For example, you might be required to wrap the bulbs separately or put them in their original packaging. You might also need to present proof of residency.
    • Contact the facility you plan to use and ask about their rules and regulations. Make sure they will accept LED bulbs.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Recycling LED Bulbs

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Do a search for a recycling facility in your area. 1 Do a search for a recycling facility in your area. Recycling is a great, eco-friendly option for disposing of old LED bulbs. Do an online search to find out if there are any facilities near you that will accept the bulbs.[5]
    • For example, you could do a search like “Recycle LED bulbs in Calgary, Alberta.”
    • If you live in the U.S., you can use a website like Recyclenation.com or Earth911.com to search for recycling facilities by material in your zip code.
    • Some hardware and home supply stores (such as IKEA) will accept bulbs for recycling, so you can also contact stores near you to find out if they will take your old LEDs.[6]
  2. Step 2 Contact the facility to find out how to drop off the bulbs. 2 Contact the facility to find out how to drop off the bulbs. If you find a facility in your area that will accept your LED bulbs, give them a call to find out if they have any special requirements. For example, they may want you to package the bulbs in a particular way before you drop them off.
    • It’s also a good idea to double check that the facility will take LED bulbs before you bring them by, since information in online directories is not always accurate or up-to-date.
  3. Step 3 Recycle the bulbs 3 Recycle the bulbs by mail if local facilities won’t take them. Some areas may not have recycling facilities that accept LED bulbs. Fortunately, there are some companies that will allow you to ship certain kinds of LED lights (usually holiday lights) to them for recycling.[7]
    • Some companies that accept mail-in LED holiday lights for recycling include HolidayLEDS and Environmental LED. These companies will recycle your lights for free.
    • Contact the company to find out if they have any special requirements for packing and shipping your lights.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Dispose of Fluorescent TubesHow toDispose of Fluorescent Tubes Dispose of Lithium BatteriesHow toDispose of Lithium Batteries Dispose of BatteriesHow toDispose of Batteries Dispose of LightersHow toDispose of Lighters Dispose of Empty Paint CansHow to Safely Get Rid of Empty Paint Cans Dispose of Hazardous WasteHow toDispose of Hazardous Waste Dispose of BleachHow toDispose of Bleach Dispose of Kerosene SafelyHow to Get Rid of Kerosene Dispose of Battery AcidHow toDispose of Battery Acid Recycle Glass BottlesThe Best Way to Recycle & Repurpose Glass Bottles Dispose of Alkaline BatteriesHow toDispose of Alkaline Batteries Dispose of a Flat Screen TVThe Best Ways to Get Rid of Your Old Flat Screen TV Dispose of MercuryHow toDispose of Mercury Dispose of Mercury ThermometersHow toDispose of Mercury Thermometers Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ Marvin Woo. Licensed Electrician. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://recyclenation.com/2015/01/how-to-recycle-light-bulbs/
  3. ↑ Marvin Woo. Licensed Electrician. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://recyclenation.com/2015/01/how-to-recycle-light-bulbs/
  5. ↑ https://recyclenation.com/2015/01/how-to-recycle-light-bulbs/
  6. ↑ Marvin Woo. Licensed Electrician. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://recyclenation.com/2015/01/how-to-recycle-light-bulbs/

About This Article

Marvin Woo Co-authored by: Marvin Woo Licensed Electrician This article was co-authored by Marvin Woo and by wikiHow staff writer, Megaera Lorenz, PhD. Marvin Woo is a licensed electrician and the Owner of Woo's Electrical & Appliance based in East O’ahu. With over two decades of experience, he specializes in troubleshooting issues and maintaining residential electrical systems. Marvin is both licensed and insured to complete electrical work in the state of Hawaii. This article has been viewed 39,614 times. 2 votes - 50% Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 39,614 Categories: Lighting | Household Waste Disposal
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 39,614 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Marvin Woo Co-authored by: Marvin Woo Licensed Electrician 2 votes - 50% Click a star to vote 50% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 39,614

Quizzes & Games

Can You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizCan You Spot The False Climate Claims QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizTraffic Signs TestTraffic Signs TestTake QuizAm I a Bad Person QuizAm I a Bad Person QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Do QuizWhat Should I Do QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Ghost Will I Be QuizWhat Kind of Ghost Will I Be QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Dispose of Fluorescent TubesHow toDispose of Fluorescent TubesDispose of Lithium BatteriesHow toDispose of Lithium BatteriesDispose of BatteriesHow toDispose of BatteriesDispose of LightersHow toDispose of Lighters

Featured Articles

What Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument

Featured Articles

A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness TestEnjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?

Quizzes & Games

How Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizWhat Kind of Reality Check Do I Need QuizTake QuizApology Language QuizApology Language QuizTake QuizOCD TestOCD TestTake QuizWhat Do I Want in a Weight Loss Program QuizWhat Do I Want in a Weight Loss Program QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Lighting
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --476

Tag » How To Dispose Of Light Bulbs Led