Recycling lighting and lightbulbs
Recycling lighting, lamps and bulbs can be confusing – let’s clear things up.
Fluorescent tubes
Fluorescent tube strip lights contain small amounts of mercury so it’s important they are recycled correctly – use our locator to find your nearest recycling point.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Energy-saving Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) light bulbs contain small amounts of mercury so it’s really important they are recycled correctly at your local recycling point.
LED light bulbs
Many of the lightbulbs we all use now are LEDs – long lasting and energy efficient. All LEDs can be recycled including strings, and strips of LEDs. And don’t forget your broken Christmas tree lights!
Halogen bulbs
Halogen bulbs can NOT be recycled. Please throw them away with your household rubbish.
Incandescent light bulbs
Old fashioned incandescent bulbs can NOT be recycled. Please throw them away with your household rubbish.
Did you know?
Energy-saving light bulbs contain mercury
We can shed some light on this.
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use up to 80% less energy than old fashioned incandescent bulbs, but to do this, they need a small amount of mercury which is why they can’t be thrown away in your bin.
Find your nearest recycling point
Lighting frequently asked questions
Where can I find lightbulb recycling near me?
Some lightbulbs contain potentially dangerous substances and need to be recycled – but there are some that can’t be recycled. Check what to do with your specific lightbulb in ‘What types of lighting and lightbulbs can be recycled?’, above. Then check out our recycling locator for your nearest recycling point.
How does lightbulb disposal work?
Some lightbulbs contain potentially dangerous substances and need to be recycled. Check what to do with your specific lightbulb in ‘What types of lighting and lightbulbs can be recycled?’ above.
Where can I recycle light fixtures and lamps near me?
There are thousands of places to recycle your old electricals across the UK. Check out our recycling locator – and remember to remove bulbs before taking your lamps to the recycling centre. All domestic light fittings can be recycled, but it’s important you recycle lightbulbs separately.
How does lightbulb recycling work?
Some lightbulbs contain potentially dangerous substances and need to be recycled. Check what to do with your specific lightbulb in ‘What types of lighting and lightbulbs can be recycled?’, above.
