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When you switch from incandescent or CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) light bulbs to energy-saving LED bulbs, it is important to dispose of the old ones responsibly. Proper disposal not only helps protect the environment but also ensures compliance with recycling and waste management regulations.

How to Dispose of Incandescent and CFL Light Bulbs

Incandescent Bulbs:

Unfortunately, incandescent light bulbs are not recyclable. Due to their composition, which includes metals and other non-recyclable parts, they cannot be processed with regular glass recycling. These bulbs must be disposed of in your household waste bin. This is yet another compelling reason to switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which are far more eco-friendly.

CFL Bulbs:

CFL bulbs, on the other hand, can be recycled. Most local authority recycling centres accept CFL bulbs for proper disposal. To make your recycling trips more efficient, you could store used CFL bulbs in a box until you have accumulated enough to warrant a trip to the recycling centre. Here is a helpful link to find your nearest recycling centre.

Unsure About Light Bulb Recycling?

If you're unsure whether a specific type of light bulb can be recycled, the Recycle Now website offers a simple solution. By entering your postcode, you can discover what recycling facilities are available at your local centre.

Additional Resources:

• Recolight: Free lamp and light bulb collection services.
• Wastecare.co.uk: Specialist in recycling light bulbs and electrical waste.

Simply LED's WEEE Recycling Scheme

At Simply LED, we’re committed to ensuring that old lighting products are responsibly disposed of in accordance with environmental standards. When you purchase a new light bulb or lighting product from us, we will recycle your old one for free, as part of our  WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) recycling scheme.

Why Recycle?

Electrical waste is one of the UK’s fastest-growing types of waste. Many of these items, including light bulbs, can be repaired or recycled, helping to conserve natural resources and reduce environmental harm. If not properly recycled, old electrical products end up in landfill, where hazardous substances could leak into the soil or water, causing contamination that harms wildlife and human health.

How We Can Help

To make it easy for you to recycle, Simply LED offers free recycling of your old electrical items when you purchase a new one from us. Simply return your old lighting product to:

Simply LED WEEE Recycling
Unit 2, Marrtree Business Park,
Bowling Back Lane,
Bradford,
BD4 8QE

We will dispose of your old lighting in line with the WEEE regulations, ensuring it is processed in an environmentally friendly manner.

WEEE Regulations and the Crossed-Out Wheeled Bin Symbol

To remind you that your old electrical products can be recycled, they are marked with a crossed-out wheeled bin symbol. Items with this symbol should never be disposed of in your regular household bin, as they are subject to the WEEE Directive.

The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations 2013 requires all distributors, including online retailers, to provide a free recycling system for customers purchasing new electrical items. At Simply LED, we meet these obligations by offering free take-back of your old electrical items on a like-for-like basis whenever you purchase a new product from us.

By choosing Simply LED, you’re not only investing in energy-efficient lighting but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable environment through responsible recycling. Make the switch to LEDs today and let us help you dispose of your old lighting products safely and in compliance with the latest environmental regulations.