Incandescent Light Bulbs

• 1). Grip the light bulb as close to its base as possible to avoid breakage, and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
  
  
• 2). Wrap the used bulb in old newspaper or some other material that will help keep the bulb from shattering and making a mess.
  
  
• 3). Place the wrapped bulb in the wastebasket for disposal.
  
  

Fluorescent Light Bulbs

• 1). Contact your local municipal solid waste agency, and ask whether it's permissible to put broken or used CFLs into the trash for pickup. Some agencies don't allow this option and only recycle.
  
  
• 2). Place the CFL into a plastic bag with a seal or a small plastic grocery or garbage bag. Ensure that all excess air is removed from the bag, and seal or tie it closed.
  
  
• 3). Place the sealed or tied bag into another plastic bag, and seal or tie it closed. The CFL is now double-bagged.
  
  
• 4). Place the bags into the waste receptacle for pickup.