How to Dispose of an Incandescent Light Bulb

An incandescent light bulb can be a highly effective tool to use in conjunction with a number of different lighting fixtures. When disposing of this type of light bulb, however, you should make a point of doing so responsibly. Here's how.

Step 1—Allow the Bulb to Cool

The first step in disposing of an incandescent light bulb is to allow the freshly burnt-out bulb to cool down. Unscrewing the bulb while it is still hot is liable to result in you being burned. Additionally, make sure the lighting fixture to which the bulb is attached is safely turned off, as unscrewing a bulb from an active fixture may lead to electrocution.

Step 2—Unscrew the Burnt-Out Bulb

Having turned off the lighting fixture and given the bulb ample time to cool off, you may now carefully proceed to unscrew your incandescent light bulb. If you require the aid of a step ladder to reach the bulb, it's generally a good idea to have a friend or family member nearby to supervise.

Step 3—Dispose of the Bulb

Once the bulb has been removed, delicately wrap in a paper towel and place it in a sealable plastic bag. This will prevent shards of glass from becoming entrenched in your garbage can should the bulb shatter under the pressure of other trash.