How to Dispose of Light Bulbs

When it comes to replacing old or broken light bulbs, it can be tempting to simply throw them in with your household waste or into a skip if you are carrying out a larger clear-out. However, not all light bulbs can be disposed of this way. Some types contain materials that need to be handled carefully to prevent harm to people and the environment.

In this guide, we will explain how to dispose of light bulbs safely and responsibly and when skip hire may or may not be suitable.

Different Types of Light Bulbs

Before deciding how to dispose of a bulb, it is important to know what type you are dealing with. The most common types include

• Incandescent bulbs: traditional bulbs with a filament and glass casing
  
  

• Halogen bulbs: often used in spotlights and floodlights, similar to incandescent bulbs but slightly more efficient
  
  

• Compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs: energy-saving bulbs that contain small amounts of mercury
  
  

• LED bulbs: the most energy-efficient option, LED light is found in most modern homes and commercial buildings
  
  

Each type must be handled differently when it comes to disposal.

Can Light Bulbs Go in a Skip?

In short, it depends on the type of bulb.

Standard incandescent and halogen bulbs are generally not recyclable through normal household systems, but they can be safely placed in your general waste bin as they do not contain hazardous materials.

CFLs and fluorescent tubes are different. These contain small amounts of mercury, which means they must be treated as hazardous waste. For this reason, they cannot be placed in a skip under any circumstances.

Just as certain items like fridge freezers, paint, and other hazardous materials cannot go in a skip, it is important to check the type of light bulb before including it with your skip waste.

How to Dispose of Different Light Bulbs

Incandescent and Halogen Bulbs

These older-style bulbs can be disposed of in your regular household waste. To prevent injury, wrap them in paper or bubble wrap before placing them in the bin, especially if they are broken.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs and Fluorescent Tubes

Because they contain mercury, these bulbs should be taken to a local recycling centre that accepts electrical or hazardous waste. Many household waste and recycling sites have special collection points for these types of bulbs. Never break these bulbs open or dispose of them with general waste, as the mercury vapour can be harmful to health and the environment.

LED Bulbs

LED bulbs do not contain mercury and are more environmentally friendly. Many recycling centres and electrical retailers offer WEEE recycling, where old LEDs can be dropped off for recycling.

Recycle Light Bulbs For Environmentally Responsible Disposal

Handling electrical waste responsibly helps reduce the amount of hazardous materials that end up in landfills. Proper disposal also ensures that valuable materials such as glass and metal can be recovered and recycled.

If you are undertaking a larger home renovation or electrical upgrade, skip hire is a great way to manage general waste like packaging, old fittings, and construction debris, but electrical items like bulbs should always be separated for safe disposal.

Final Thoughts

Disposing of light bulbs correctly might seem like a small task, but it has a significant impact on safety and the environment. Knowing which bulbs can go in general waste and which need special handling ensures your waste is managed responsibly.

If you are planning a project that generates a lot of waste and need advice on what can or cannot go in a skip, TW Services can provide expert guidance and reliable skip hire solutions for domestic and commercial projects. Contact us today to find out more.