How to Recycle LED Strip Lights

Flexible LED strips and tape lights containing electronic circuits and adhesives that require specialized e-waste recycling.

Recyclable
How to Prepare
  • 1Remove from mounting surfaces carefully
  • 2Coil strips without sharp bends to avoid damage
  • 3Keep controllers and power supplies with strips
  • 4Remove adhesive backing if possible
  • 5Separate different types (RGB, single color, smart)
  • 6Bundle similar lengths together
Where to Recycle
  • E-waste recyclers
  • Electronics stores take-back
  • Municipal e-waste centers
  • LED specialty recyclers
Special Instructions

Contains valuable rare earth elements and electronic circuits. Remove from regular LED bulb recycling due to adhesive contamination.

Environmental Impact

Recovers rare earth phosphors, copper circuits, and electronic components. Prevents adhesive contamination in standard LED recycling streams.

What’s Accepted

Accepted

  • 12V LED strip lights
  • 24V LED strips
  • RGB color-changing strips
  • Smart LED strips (WiFi/Bluetooth)
  • Waterproof LED strips
  • LED strip controllers and dimmers
  • Power supplies and transformers

Not Accepted

  • Strips still firmly adhered to surfaces
  • Severely damaged strips with exposed circuits
  • Non-LED rope lights (see holiday lights category)
Donation & Take‑Back Options

Estimated value: $1-3 per linear foot in component recovery

Hazardous Components
  • Electronic circuits
  • Rare earth phosphors
  • Adhesive chemicals
FAQs

Can I cut LED strips for easier recycling?

Only cut at designated cut points marked on the strip. Cutting elsewhere can create hazardous exposed circuits.

What about smart LED strips?

Smart strips have higher recycling value due to additional electronic components but follow the same recycling process.

Are waterproof LED strips recyclable?

Yes, but the silicone coating requires specialized processing. Keep separate from standard LED strips.

Find Recycling Centers Near You

Use our recycling center finder to locate facilities that accept led strip lights in your area.