Disposing of light bulbs correctly depends on the type of bulb, and getting it wrong can harm both the environment and your home. A UK "binfluencer" with 13 years of experience in waste management has shared the proper methods on TikTok.
Which Bulbs Can Go in General Waste?
Ashley, who posts recycling guidance on his TikTok profile @theno1.binman, explained that traditional incandescent light bulbs can be "put them in the general waste bin". These bulbs contain no hazardous materials, so they are safe for standard household bins.
For ease, you may want to keep the bulb in its original packaging before throwing it away. This prevents it from puncturing or damaging anything if it breaks inside the bin, though Ashley noted that this is not essential.
LED Bulbs Must Be Recycled Separately
When it comes to more contemporary bulbs such as LEDs, "you can't put them in your normal waste", the binman warned. In the UK, it is no longer acceptable to throw away LED bulbs alongside general household waste.
LEDs are classified as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and must be recycled separately to preserve the valuable metals and glass from which they are made. Ashley stated, "You have to take them to a hardware store like B&Q or to the recycling centre."
Retailers such as B&Q, Currys, and Tesco are legally required to provide recycling facilities under WEEE regulations. Many councils also offer kerbside collection schemes for bulbs, which should be placed in a separate transparent bag alongside other recyclable materials. It is worth checking with your local authority to see if this service is available in your area.
Other Bulb Types and Their Disposal
Fluorescent tubes, like energy-saving bulbs, contain mercury. Commercial lighting that incorporates fluorescent tubing can contain enough mercury to contaminate the surrounding environment and water supplies, making responsible disposal vital. These should be taken to your nearest recycling centre.
Halogen light bulbs cannot be recycled. They contain no harmful substances and can be thrown away with your regular rubbish, though they deliver efficiency similar to that of traditional incandescent bulbs.
Energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, often called compact fluorescent lamps, can be recycled. They contain a small amount of mercury and should never be thrown out with normal household rubbish. Take them to your local recycling centre.
