What to Do if Your LED Bulb Burns Out
We’ve all been there—you switch on the light switch only to still be left in the dark (literally). Realizing that it’s probably been about 4 years since you’ve had to change out your LED bulb, you sigh and pull up Amazon (or Sunco.com) to order a new one. But what do you do with the old bulb? We’ll clear that up along with any other questions you may have about your burnt-out bulbs.
Can LED Bulbs Be Recycled?
Yes—and they should be. While LEDs don’t contain mercury like CFLs, they do have electronic components like circuit boards and diodes. That puts them in the category of e-waste, which means they’re not suitable for the landfill like most regular trash.
In fact, many LEDs contain valuable materials like copper and even small amounts of precious metals that can be recovered and reused. Tossing them in the trash not only wastes these resources but also contributes to the growing problem of electronic waste in the U.S.
America’s Trash Problem
Let’s talk trash for a second (Literal trash. I’m not about to insult you or anything like that). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. generated over 6.9 million tons of e-waste in 2024 alone. Of that, only about 15% was recycled properly. The rest? Landfills or incinerators.
That’s a pretty big deal. Electronics leach harmful materials into the soil and water over time, and once those electronics are broken down, we lose the recyclable materials we desperately need to make more efficient tech—including future LEDs.
How to Recycle Your LEDs
The good news is, it’s easier than you might think to recycle your burnt-out or broken LEDs.
-
Check Local Recycling Centers
Most municipal recycling programs don’t accept LEDs in curbside bins, but they often have drop-off locations or collection events specifically for electronics or hazardous household waste.
-
Visit a Retailer
Stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and IKEA often have bulb recycling bins near the entrance. Just make sure the bin specifies it accepts LED bulbs (not just CFLs).
-
Use a Mail-In Program
Companies like Earth911 or LampRecycle offer easy search tools and mail-back programs where you can send your used bulbs and fixtures safely.
-
Recycle the Packaging Too
Don’t forget to recycle any cardboard boxes or plastic packaging your new LED came in while you’re at it!
Before You Buy
Ok, so now you know what to do with your old bulb, be sure to check if your product has a warranty for it before you add a new one to your Amazon cart. At Sunco, we offer an industry-leading warranty of up to 9 years on many of our LED products. So, if your light goes dark before its time, you can get it replaced with no fuss and no cost. Just reach out to our support team, and we’ll handle the rest.
Final Thoughts
Recycling LED lights isn’t just a nice-to-do—it’s a must-do, and it’s not as complicated as you might expect. With easy recycling options and warranties like Sunco’s, there’s really no reason to toss used LEDs in the trash.
