A UK binman has explained which light bulbs can be thrown into general waste and which must be recycled separately. Traditional incandescent bulbs can go in the general waste bin, while LED bulbs must be taken to a recycling centre or a hardware store such as B&Q.
Which bulbs can go in general waste?
Ashley, a UK "binfluencer" with 13 years of experience in waste management, shared the advice on his TikTok profile @theno1.binman. He said traditional incandescent light bulbs can be "put them in the general waste bin" because they contain no hazardous materials.
He suggested keeping the bulb in its original packaging before throwing it away, to prevent it from shattering inside the bin, though he noted this is not essential.
LED bulbs must be recycled
For more modern LED bulbs, Ashley cautioned that "you can't put them in your normal waste". In the UK, LED bulbs are classed as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and must be recycled separately to preserve the valuable metals and glass they contain.
Ashley explained: "You have to take them to a hardware store like B&Q or to the recycling centre." Retailers including B&Q, Currys and Tesco are legally obliged to offer recycling facilities under WEEE regulations. Some councils also provide kerbside collection for bulbs when placed in a separate transparent bag with other recyclables, so it is worth checking with the local authority.
Other bulb types
Fluorescent tubes contain mercury and should be taken to a local recycling centre. Halogen bulbs are free from hazardous materials and can be disposed of in the standard waste bin, though they are not recyclable. Energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs contain a small amount of mercury and must not go in ordinary household waste; they should be taken to a recycling facility.
