Lightbulb Recycling: Why and How
Lightbulb recycling rarely gets the same attention as glass, paper, or metal, but it is very important for our environment and our health.
After upgrading your lighting from incandescent or CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) bulbs to more efficient LED (light emitting diode) bulbs, you'll be left with several bulbs that need to be disposed of. Instead of throwing them in the trash or in a box in your basement, use this guide to recycle them. Light bulb recycling rarely gets the same attention as glass, paper, or metal, but it is very important for our environment and our health.
- The raw materials inside light bulbs can be reused. Reusing lightbulb materials, like metal and glass, helps avoid additional drain on energy and resources that would be required to make entirely new bulbs.
- There are hazardous materials inside some bulbs. CFLs contain mercury, which, if dumped into a landfill, could seep into ground water and contaminate drinking supply. LEDs are considered electronics, which have specific recycling requirements, too.
- Depending on where you live, it may be prohibited by law to through bulbs in the trash. Such laws exist to encourage reuse and avoid hazardous material contamination, as well as to avoid tossing more into already-overloaded landfills.
To help you find local places to take your bulbs, we've put together the following list of recycling locations in Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington Counties:
CFL and LED Bulbs
The locations listed below offer recycling services to local residents for CFL and LED bulbs, sometimes for free. CFLs and LEDs must both be recycled properly per Minnesota regulations. There may be limitations on drop-off quantities, or fees may apply. Please contact your nearest location for costs, hours, and more details.
Dakota County
Dakota County Recycling Zone
3365 Dodd Rd
Eagan, MN 55121
Hennepin County
Limited quantities.
Hennepin County Recycling Center and Transfer Station
8100 Jefferson Hwy
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
South Hennepin Recycling and Problem Waste Drop-Off Center
1400 W 96th St
Bloomington, MN 55431
Ramsey County
Ramsey County Environmental Center
1700 Kent St
Roseville, MN 55113
Washington County
North Environmental Center
6065 Headwaters Pkwy
Forest Lake, MN 55025
South Environmental Center
4039 Cottage Grove Dr
Woodbury, MN 55129
Halogen and Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent and halogen bulbs do not contain any hazardous materials but may still be recycled at specific locations that recover the glass and aluminum. Some of the locations listed above may also accept incandescent bulbs, but we encourage you to call ahead to be certain. Please contact each location individually for costs, hours, and more details.
Batteries Plus Bulbs
Most locations accept additional types of lightbulbs; fees may apply.
Locations: Apple Valley, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Plymouth, Roseville, St. Louis Park, West St. Paul, Woodbury
Recycle Technologies
Offers a mail-in program; fees may apply.
10040 Davenport St NE
Blaine, MN 55449
https://www.RecycleTechnologies.com/
Repowered
Fees may apply.
860 Vandalia St
St. Paul, MN 55114
Don't see a location near you?
Check your local hardware store or municipal recycling center for more halogen and incandescent recycling options. The CFL and LED recycling locations listed above may also take incandescent or halogen bulbs, but we encourage you to contact individual locations for more details. There may be additional recycling locations available to you that are not listed here.
Outside Resources
Questions about your home energy? Let's talk!
