ASK
What type of lightbulb do you have? (See our guide, above.) If you have halogen and incandescent bulbs, wrap them in paper and put them in your general waste bin. For all others read on.
Recycling lights and lightbulbs
With the dazzling range of lighting and lamps available, it’s no surprise that recycling lights and lightbulbs can be confusing. So let’s clear things up.
Fluorescent tubes
Fluorescent tube strip lights contain small amounts of mercury – so it’s important to recycle them safely. 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 remember to recycle them safely at one of your local recycling points.
LED light bulbs
LEDs are long lasting and energy efficient. What’s more, all LEDs can be recycled, including strips of LEDs and even broken Christmas tree lights.. We are big fans of LEDs!
Halogen bulbs
Halogen bulbs can NOT be recycled. So sadly these materials cannot be reused. Just throw them away with your household rubbish.
Incandescent light bulbs
Old fashioned incandescent bulbs can NOT be recycled. So please throw them away with your household rubbish.
How to recycle lightbulbs
Here’s what to do with old lightbulbs and light fittings
BAG IT
Bag up any LED bulbs or compact fluorescents (CFLs) ready for your next visit to a recycling centre – or until collection day, if you have one.
CHECK
Lastly, find your nearest recycling point using our electrical recycling locator. Some councils will also collect directly from your home. It’s that easy.
Recycling locatorWhere to recycle old lightbulbs
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. This is why we musn’t throw them in the general rubbish bin.
Frequently asked questions about recycling lighting
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. So check what to do with your specific lightbulb in ‘What types of lighting and lightbulbs can be recycled?’, above. Then use our recycling locator to find your nearest recycling point.
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. And remember, like anything with a plug, battery or cable, all domestic light fittings can be recycled, but it’s important to recycle lightbulbs separately.
How does lightbulb disposal work?
Some lightbulbs contain potentially dangerous substances and need to be recycled. So check what to do with your specific lightbulb in ‘What types of lighting and lightbulbs can be recycled?’ above.
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.
Do charity shops take old lighting?
Yes, some charities will welcome your unwanted light fittings and lamps. For example, some Sue Ryder and Age UK shops will accept electrical goods as donations. Take a look at our guide to donating electricals to charity shops for more. And before heading down to your local charity, it’s worth checking with them.
