Light Bulb Disposal Options

As buildings explore ways to increase energy efficiency and comply with Denver's building codes and ordinances, lighting will often be at the top of the list. Buildings complying with the Energize Denver requirements for buildings 5,000-24,999 sq. ft., for example, have the option to update their lighting to efficient LED bulbs. The old, inefficient light bulbs will need to be disposed of correctly to avoid dangerous pollutants from entering our soils and water. There are a lot of options for disposing of your old lightbulbs and fixtures:

  • Blue Star Recyclers
    • Offers business recycling services
    • Call to request a quote
  • Rooney Road Recycling Center
    • A $30 co-pay covers the first 75 pounds, then $1.75 per additional pound
    • Accepts: All light bulbs
  • Colorado Lighting
    • Some fees apply
    • Accepts: Lamps and Ballasts
  • METech Recycling
    • Some fees apply
    • Accepts: All types of lightbulbs
  • BulbCycle Light Bulb Recycling and Disposal
    • Offers both prepaid light bulb recycling kits and drop off services in most Colorado cities
    • Accepts: fluorescent lamps, CFLs, ballasts, batteries, electronics, and thermostats
  • Ace Hardware has partnered with Xcel Energy to accept used compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)
    • All 104 Ace Hardware locations have bins behind the counters
    • Accepts: Compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • The Home Depot has announced the launch of its nationwide CFL bulb recycling program
    • Available at all 1,973 Home Depot Stores nationwide
    • Accepts: Compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • Most Lowes stores have a CFL collection bin near the entrance
    • Accepts: Compact fluorescent light bulbs
  • Grainger offers prepaid light bulb recycling kits that come with everything you need to collect and send light bulbs for recycling
    • Prices are per box, with various weight capacities
    • Accepts: Fluorescent tubes (check that you get the correct box), CFLs, LEDs, and projection lamps
  • The City and County of Denver Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program
    • Denver residents are eligible for one collection appointment per calendar year
    • You pay a $15 co-payment for the collection appointment*
    • Accepts: fluorescent tubes, fluorescent bulbs
    • *Please note that this service is only available to multifamily buildings of seven units or fewer
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