FLUORESCENT & LED BULB RECYCLING IN CALIFORNIA

BulbCycle makes recycling light bulbs and universal waste in California easy with our mail-back kits for businesses.

Safely dispose of fluorescent tubes, CFLs, LED bulbs, batteries, and e-waste today.

Bulb recycling in California

The short answer for businesses

California is stricter than most states: no household or business may put universal waste lamps in the trash, whatever its size. That covers fluorescent tubes and bulbs, HID and sodium vapor lamps, any lamp with added mercury, and any other lamp that shows a hazardous characteristic. Lamps must go to a universal waste handler, transporter or recycler, not a municipal landfill. Source: California DTSC.

FAQ

Does this apply to households?
Yes. Households are exempt from most universal waste paperwork, but they still have to recycle lamps rather than throw them out.
Are LED bulbs covered?
Only if they contain added mercury or show a hazardous characteristic, according to DTSC's fact sheet.

Most popular kits

Shop all fluorescent tube kits

Kit finder

Find the right kit in 30 seconds

HOW IT WORKS

Recycle your universal waste in 4 easy steps

1

Order a certified recycling kit based on what you need to dispose of

2

We will send the kit to you with free shipping. Fill it up at your own convenience.

3

When it is full, add your included shipping label and call FedEx for pickup

4

Once we receive the kit and dispose of the material you can access your Certificate of Recycling

Our customers love us!

Zeke Hanscom

Testimonial

Wow, had all these fluorescent tubes left over from converting the house to LED bulbs. The high mercury content is not good for landfill disposal. Ordered a Standard box, and when it arrived, I was able to safely dispose of all my tubes. Simple and easy to use, and helps the environment. Great customer service. Andrew really helped me a great deal.

Troy Patt

Testimonial

Great company to work with for all your bulb and ballast recycling needs. Great pricing!

Whether you are managing waste for a large office or a small business, BulbCycle offers tailored solutions to fit your needs.

Mail-Back Kits

All of our kits have free shipping and are easy to pack and send

Compliance

Every order comes with a certificate of recycling

Corporate Kits

We provide a comprehensive solution for businesses to recycle responsibly

WHY RECYCLE?

Fluorescent and LED bulbs are commonly used in homes, businesses, and industries, but their disposal can pose a significant environmental challenge.

Proper recycling of fluorescent and LED bulbs is crucial to prevent harmful chemicals, such as mercury, from leaking into the environment and to reduce landfill waste. At BulbCycle, we make recycling fluorescent, CFL, LED bulbs and more easy and safe.

Learn More

Fluorescent & LED Bulb Recycling In California | BulbCycle

California Regulations


Learn more about universal waste regulations in the state of California at the Department of Toxic Substances Control website.

In California, universal waste, including fluorescent bulbs, batteries, electronics, and mercury-containing devices, cannot be disposed of in regular trash due to its hazardous nature.

The state’s Universal Waste Rule (CCR, Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 23) requires proper collection, storage, and recycling through authorized handlers or facilities to prevent environmental harm. Businesses must comply with additional requirements, such as labeling, employee training, and maintaining waste management records.

In the state of California, households are also prohibited from disposing of universal waste—such as fluorescent lamps, batteries, electronic devices, and mercury-containing items—in regular trash under the state’s Universal Waste Rule (CCR, Title 22, Division 4.5, Chapter 23).

Residents are required to take these items to authorized recycling facilities, household hazardous waste collection events, or designated universal waste handlers. This regulation ensures that hazardous components are safely managed to protect human health and the environment.

Why is Recycling Fluorescent & LED Bulbs Important?

Recycling fluorescent and LED bulbs properly is vital for several key reasons:

Call us today!

858-412-6536

About BulbCycle

At BulbCycle, we understand the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, which is why our kits ensure your waste is handled and recycled responsibly, minimizing harm to the environment.

Learn More