Christmas Lights Illegal in Garbage, Recycling & Drains E-Waste String lights are e-waste that can be disposed of through the County Household Hazardous Waste Program. Don't Throw Away Christmas Lights Never throw Christmas lights in the garbage or your curbside recycling: the lightbulb glass breaks easily and the cord gets wrapped around processing machinery. Ways to Reduce Switch to LED LED Christmas lights use 80 percent less energy and can last up to 20 years. If you want to be able to replace individual lights, make sure to choose strings with removable bulbs. Did You Know? How to Repair Broken Christmas Lights
