How to Recycle Regular Light Bulbs

Consumers are more conscious than ever of the importance of recycling in trying to minimize the damage done to the environment. However, problems persist in efforts to recycle the everyday light bulb. Unfortunately, the regular light bulb cannot be recycled along with other glass items like bottles and jars because it is made of a number of different materials.

Things You'll Need

• Large paper bags
• Internet
• Telephone

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Instructions

• 1

  Collect burnt-out light bulbs from your home or office and carefully put them into a large paper bag. Do not dispose of them. It is a good idea to collect them over a year and then reuse them.

• 2

  Reuse them in craft projects. People are using their burnt-out bulbs as canvases on which to paint patterns and designs. Light bulbs can be converted into decoration pieces, lamps and gift items. If you enjoy art, this is a good way to reuse them. If you don't, a good idea is to contact people who do. They may want your old bulbs for their projects. You can find interesting craft ideas at All Free Crafts and at Tree Hugger (see the Resources section).

• 3

  Switch to energy-efficient bulbs. These use less electricity to produce the same light and also last longer, thus reducing the frequency of disposal while conserving energy.

• 4

  Dispose of energy-saving light bulbs wisely. Two kinds of energy-saving bulbs--high-intensity discharge bulbs (HIDs) and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)--contain mercury, which is a hazardous element injurious to health and the environment. You should collect these energy-saving bulbs and take them to the hazardous materials recycling center closest to you. Every part of the bulb--the metal end cap, the glass tubing, the mercury and the phosphor--can be recycled. Ensure that the bulbs do not break while handling because the mercury can then escape.

• 5

  Find out about the hazardous waste collection program in your area by contacting the local solid waste authority or visiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website (see Reference 3).