LED bulbs are energy-efficient, long-lasting, and sustainable. But even an LED will eventually stop working. So how do you properly dispose of a LED bulb? In this article, we explain exactly what to do—and what not to do—to protect the environment.
Unlike incandescent or halogen bulbs, LED bulbs contain electronic components like circuit boards, drivers, and sometimes small transformers. This classifies them as electronic waste (e-waste). Throwing them in the regular bin means improper disposal, which harms the environment and violates waste regulations.
You can dispose of a broken LED bulb at multiple locations:
Collection bins in stores: Many supermarkets, DIY stores, and electronics retailers offer drop-off bins for old lamps.
Municipal recycling centers: Your local recycling point will accept LED bulbs, often with a dedicated container.
Wecycle drop-off points: Use Wecycle.nl to find nearby locations where you can responsibly recycle your bulbs.
Yes, nearly all parts of an LED bulb can be recycled. Metals, glass, and electronic components are recovered and reused. By recycling, you're helping the circular economy and reducing environmental impact.
After collection, the bulb is disassembled:
Metals and copper are melted down for reuse.
Plastics are separated and processed.
Electronic parts are handled by specialized recyclers.
This ensures your old LED bulb re-enters the resource cycle.
While LEDs are now the standard, many households still have old halogen or compact fluorescent bulbs. These must also be disposed of separately—CFLs even contain mercury, which is especially hazardous to the environment.
Recycling your LED bulb may seem like a small thing, but it helps recover valuable materials and reduces waste. Never throw it in the trash—always use a proper collection point.
No comments found.
