Image Source / Getty Images

Thoughlight bulbslast longer and perform better than ever, they eventually doburn outor break.

All light bulbs have different disposal requirements.

LEDs mainly come inbulb and reflector (cone) shapes.

Lightbulbs in Trash

Image Source / Getty Images

LED bulbs are cool when emitting light and usually can be identified by their plastic tops and bottoms.

The socket will be metal.

To dispose of LED bulbs in your regular trash service, simply drop the bulbs in the trash.

LED Light Bulb

LED Light BulbGetty / Marti Sans

LED bulbs are made of plastic and will not shatter.

Incandescent bulbs become hot when emitting light.

Prepare an incandescentlight bulbfor disposal by wrapping it in a paper or plastic bag.

Incandescent Bulb

Sameh Wassef / Getty Images

If the bulb does break, the debris will be contained in the bag.

Halogen bulbs are typically reflector-shaped and they burn hot and bright.

Halogen bulbs are sturdy and will not break easily, so wrapping is only a precaution.

Recessed Lighting

BanksPhotos / Getty Images

Fluorescent light tubes are long, glass tubes, usually from 2 to 8 feet long.

Around the home, fluorescent light tubes are found in garages, sheds, carports, and workshops.

CFL bulbs burn cool to the touch.

Fluorescent Tubes

weerapatkiatdumrong / Getty Images

CFLs use up to 70 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Some states have enacted bans that take effect sooner than 2025.

Carefully wrap the CFL bulbs individually and place them in an air-tight container or bag for safety.

CFL Bulb

© eleonora galli / Getty Images

Then, take the wrapped CFL to the facility for recycling.

Gently scoop up the shards into a dustpan or a stiff piece of cardboard.

Let the debris slide into an airtight container or zip-lock plastic bag.

Broken Fluorescent Tube

KLH49 / Getty Images

With a loop of duct tape, pick up powder and small pieces of glass.

Wipe up the rest with a wet paper towel.

Place all materials, including the CFL base or fluorescent tube terminals, into the plastic bag.

Headlight

Tim Boyle / Staff / Getty Images

Take the bag to the recycling facility.

Do not drop HID bulbs in the regular trash or recycling service.

HID lights aren’t common around the home.

String Lights

filo / Getty Images

They may be found in the garage as high-end vehicle headlamps or as plant-growing lights.

Wrap the HID bulb loosely in plastic and take it to an approved recycling facility.

String lights eligible for recycling include the mini-light strings used for holiday decorations, not the larger glass bulbs.

The copper wire makes string and holiday lights valuable for recycling.

Remove all plastic decorations or attachments from the wires and the bulbs.

The strings do not need to be specially wrapped.

Proper Way to Dispose of Light Bulbs.

State of New Hampshire Energy Management.

45, 2011, pp.

320-7. doi:10.1021/es101052q

How To Get Rid of Anything.

City of Sunnydale, CA.

Kane County Government Center.

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.

Storing, Transporting and Disposing of Mercury.

United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Recycling and Disposal of CFLs and Other Bulbs that Contain Mercury.

United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Study: Mercury -Laced Fluorescent Bulbs Should Be Phased Out - LEDs Now More Economical.

American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

Cleaning Up a Broken CFL.

United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Basic Information about Recycling Mercury-Containing Light Bulbs (Lamps).

United States Environmental Protection Agency.

The “FTC” Lighting Facts Label: Questions and Answers for Manufacturers.

Solid Waste Division, King County, Washington.