Lighting recycling
How to Recycle Incandescent Bulbs
Traditional tungsten filament bulbs that are largely non-recyclable but can be repurposed or have components recovered.
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
- Donate / take-back
- Available
How to Prepare
- 1Check if bulbs are still functional for donation
- 2Wrap broken bulbs carefully
- 3Remove from fixtures when cool