Glass recycling
How to Recycle Light Bulbs (Incandescent)
Traditional incandescent light bulbs with tungsten filaments.
Special handlingUpdated Jun 2026
Quick answer
No, incandescent (and most halogen) bulbs aren't recyclable; the thin glass and filament wires aren't accepted with container glass or curbside. They don't contain mercury, so wrap a burned-out bulb and put it in the trash. Switch to LEDs to cut replacements.
- Recyclable
- Not curbside
How to Prepare
- 1Allow to cool completely
- 2Wrap in newspaper to prevent cuts if broken
- 3Remove from fixtures carefully
Where to Recycle
