Fluorescent & LED Bulb Recycling by State

BulbCycle’s easy to use and convenient mail-back recycling kits are available in all states except Hawaii and Alaska!

Learn more about recycling requirements and specifics for your particular state by selecting your state below for more info.

Bulb Recycling By State

Why recycle?

Recycling light bulbs and other universal waste is crucial to reducing environmental harm and minimizing waste in landfills. The term “universal waste” refers to specific types of hazardous waste that are generated by households and businesses but are not considered to be as harmful as other hazardous waste materials. BulbCycle services 48 states of the USA; all states except Hawaii and Alaska can utilize our mail-back recycling program. Recycling light bulbs and universal waste is a critical part of responsible waste management practices.

Light bulbs, in particular, are one of the most common items that are recycled as universal waste. These bulbs contain hazardous materials, such as mercury, that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. Recycling light bulbs is important because it ensures that these hazardous materials are not released into the environment.

There are different types of light bulbs that can be recycled as universal waste, including fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and high-intensity discharge (HID) lamps. Recycling these light bulbs involves specialized equipment and processes that allow the hazardous materials to be safely removed and disposed of.

Bulb Recycling by State Level

Many states have specific laws and regulations in place to govern the recycling of universal waste, including light bulbs. For example, California has strict guidelines for the recycling of fluorescent lamps, including requirements for labeling, storage, and transportation of the waste. Other states, such as New York and Texas, have established programs to encourage the proper disposal of universal waste, including light bulbs.

In addition to state regulations, the federal government has also established rules for the recycling of universal waste. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has specific guidelines for the management and disposal of universal waste, including regulations for labeling, storage, and transportation.

One of the benefits of recycling light bulbs and other universal waste is that it can help to conserve natural resources. When these materials are recycled, they can be used to create new products, reducing the need for new raw materials to be extracted from the earth. Additionally, recycling light bulbs and other universal waste can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.

Recycling light bulbs and other universal waste is an essential part of responsible waste management. With state and federal regulations in place, as well as designated recycling centers and drop-off locations, individuals and businesses have the resources to properly dispose of these materials. Recycling light bulbs and other universal waste not only helps to protect the environment but also conserves natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.