It depends. Energy efficient light bulbs are a type of fluorescent lamp and can be recycled at a number of household recycling centres but older style bulbs aren't recyclable.
Old style incandescent bulbs are NOT recyclable. Please throw them away in your waste bin.
Important: Please don't be tempted to recycle your old light bulbs with your glass bottles and jars. They are made from a different type of glass and also contain metal parts.
These save you money and help the environment by using less electricity. At the same time you are also reducing the quantity of waste, because they don't need to be replaced as often as ordinary bulbs.
Businesses or organisations that use fluorescent tubes should contact their local authority for advise on how to dispose of them safely. Under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations fluorescent lamps are covered by “producer responsibility” and you can ask your supplier to arrange for recycling of old lamps. See this factsheet for more information for business users.
