Exchange Used Light Bulbs For New Energy Efficient LEDs At HCLS Branches

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Residents can pop by any of the Howard County library system branches and exchange used incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs for new, energy efficient LED bulbs.

While supplies last, Howard County residents can visit the circulation desk at any library branch to exchange their used light bulbs for up to four free new LED bulbs (an A19 bulb shape). All types of bulb shapes will be accepted for exchange, except for tube lights.

"This expanded partnership between OCS and HCLS offers our residents the opportunity to conveniently and properly dispose of their old light bulbs in exchange for cost-saving, energy efficient LEDs. Through this program, we are encouraging residents to join us in our efforts to achieve the goals outlined in our ‘Howard County Climate Forward: Climate Action and Resiliency Plan’ and showcasing that even a step as small as changing out a light bulb, when collectively done, can help create a more sustainable future for all," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

The county’s LED light bulb exchange program began as a 2022 Howard County GreenFest initiative, which distributed more than 500 LEDs. The program grew from there to include exchange events held across the county. In February 2023, OCS partnered with HCLS to host its first LED light bulb exchange program offering at HCLS’s East Columbia and Elkridge branches. Combined, these two locations gave away more than 2,500 LED light bulbs and collected nearly 2,000 inefficient bulbs.