House Grail is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
How to Recycle Your Christmas Lights – Step by Step Guide
Pete Ortiz
Last updated:
It’s that time of year again—time to start thinking about taking down the holiday decorations and getting ready for a new year. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to recycle your old Christmas lights!
Many people don’t realize that recycling their old lights is actually quite easy, and there are many benefits to doing so. Not only will you be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment, but you may also be able to get a little money back for your trouble.
So if you’re wondering how to recycle your Christmas lights, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the process.
How to Recycle Your Old or Broken Christmas Lights
Image By: Tanja Esser, Shutterstock
1. Start by Collecting All of Your Old Lights
This includes any strings of lights that are no longer working, as well as any light bulbs that have burned out. If you have a mix of incandescent and LED lights, you can recycle them together.
2. Separate Out the Light Bulbs and Strings
If you have both types of lights, it’s best to recycle them separately. This ensures that the light bulbs are properly recycled and that the strings can be reused.
3. Find a Local Recycling Center
The next step in recycling your lights is to find a local recycling center that accepts them. Many cities and towns have special recycling programs for holiday lights, so be sure to check with your municipality first.
Image Credit: Valley Journal, Shutterstock
4. Mail in Your Lights
If you can’t find a local recycling center, there are a number of companies that will recycle your lights by mail. Simply send your lights to the company, and they’ll take care of the rest.
5. Get Paid!
Many companies will actually pay you for recycling your lights in the form of a coupon for new Christmas lights. While the amount may not be much, it’s a great way to offset the cost of buying new lights next year.
Where Can I Donate Christmas Lights Near Me?
If there isn’t a recycling facility close to where you live, but you still want to recycle your Christmas lights, you still have options.
Many hardware stores, such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, have recycling programs for holiday lights. You can also check with your local thrift store to see if they accept Christmas lights.
Either is an excellent way to ensure your lights are properly recycled and don’t end up in a landfill.
Image Credit: volodimir bazyuk, Shutterstock
When Should I Recycle My Christmas Lights?
The best time to recycle your Christmas lights is right after you take them down for the season, as it ensures that they’re still in good condition and can be reused or recycled.
It’s also a good idea to check your lights before you put them up each year to make sure they’re still in working order. This will help you avoid having to recycle them as often.
How Much Does It Cost to Recycle Christmas Lights?
The cost of recycling Christmas lights varies depending on where you take them and how many you have. Some recycling programs are free, while others may charge a small fee (such as covering shipping costs).
What Happens to Recycled Christmas Lights?
The answer to this question depends on the type of light you’re recycling. For example, incandescent bulbs are typically recycled into new light bulbs, while LED lights are often dismantled, and the individual parts are reused.
In either case, recycling your Christmas lights is a great way to reduce waste and help preserve the environment.
Image Credit: Lost_in_the_Midwest, Shutterstock
Tips for Recycling Your Christmas Lights
1. Check Your Lights
Make sure all of your lights are in working order before you recycle them. This will help ensure that they can be properly recycled and reused.
2. Go Local
If possible, take your lights to a local recycling center. This helps reduce transportation costs and emissions associated with shipping them elsewhere.
3. Be Patient
Don’t try to force the lights into the recycling bin. If they don’t fit, wait until they do. Breaking them will only make them more difficult to recycle.
Most recycling centers have specific instructions for how to recycle Christmas lights. Be sure to follow these so that your lights can be properly recycled.
5. Say No to Landfills
Don’t put your Christmas lights in the trash! Between recycling facilities, thrift stores, recycling programs, and hardware stores, there are plenty of options for disposing of your lights responsibly.
Conclusion
With a little bit of planning, recycling your Christmas lights is easy and rewarding. By taking the time to recycle them, you’re helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. So next time you take down your holiday decorations, don’t forget to recycle your lights!
Pete has been working in the trades since high school, where he first developed a passion for woodworking. Over the years, he has developed a keen interest in a wide variety of DIY projects around the home. Fascinated by all sort of tools, Pete loves reading and writing about all the latest gadgets and accessories that hit the market. His other interests include astronomy, hiking, and fishing.
As the founder of House Grail, Pete's primary goal is to help consumers make educated decisions about DIY projects at home, in the garage, and in the garden.
