As the evenings get darker, many households rely more heavily on artificial lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. However, using lights more often can reduce the lifespan of your bulbs. When the moment arrives to swap them out, it's essential to understand how to get rid of them responsibly. You may well have tossed a few in the bin without stopping to consider whether that's actually the right thing to do.
Yet disposing of light bulbs incorrectly can cause harm to both the environment and your home. Certain bulbs, for instance, contain electronic and chemical components that require specialist handling.
Which light bulbs can I throw away at home?
UK 'binfluencer' Ashley, who shares insider recycling tips drawn from his 13 years of experience in waste management, has revealed the correct way to dispose of light bulbs on his TikTok account @theno1.binman, reports Wales Online. Ashley explained that if you're looking to get rid of traditional light bulbs, also known as incandescent light bulbs, you can "put them in the general waste bin". These types of bulbs contain no hazardous materials and can therefore be placed in your ordinary bin without any issues.
For added peace of mind, you might want to keep the bulb in its original packaging before throwing it away. This will ensure that if it breaks inside your bin, it won't puncture or damage anything — though Ashley noted that this isn't strictly necessary. When it comes to more contemporary light bulbs like LEDs, "you can't put them in your normal waste," the bin collector warned.
How to dispose of LED light bulbs
Since the phasing out of old-fashioned, energy-inefficient light bulbs, LED light bulbs have become increasingly common in homes across Britain. In the UK, it's no longer allowed to throw away LED bulbs with your ordinary household rubbish. They're classified as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and need to be recycled separately from other waste to recover the valuable metals and glass they're made from.
On the subject of disposal, Ashley said: "You have to take them to a hardware store like B&Q or to the recycling centre." Shops such as B&Q, Currys, and Tesco are legally required to provide recycling facilities under WEEE regulations. Many councils have also rolled out kerbside collection schemes for bulbs when they're placed in a separate clear bag with your other recyclables, so it's worth checking with your local council to see if they provide this option.
How to dispose of other light bulbs
Fluorescent tubes, like energy-saving bulbs, contain mercury. Commercial lighting with fluorescent tubing can contain enough mercury to pollute the environment and water supplies, making correct disposal crucial. These need to be taken to your local recycling centre.
Many people wonder whether halogen light bulbs can be recycled, and while some presume they are more eco-friendly, the answer is no. They are not suitable for recycling and offer similar performance to traditional incandescent bulbs. They contain no hazardous materials and can simply be thrown away in your regular household bin.
Energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, also known as compact fluorescent lamps, are able to be recycled. They contain a small amount of mercury and must not be thrown out with your normal household rubbish. Take energy-efficient bulbs to your nearest recycling centre.
