You can turn 'normally shaped' light bulbs into cute and working maracas. Tear, not cut, old newspaper into 1/2 wide strips. Soak some in water. Used this for the first covering layer on the bulb. All over it. Then soak more in white glue til soaked. Its ok to dilute with a small bit of water. Cover the maraca bulb in at least seven layers. More is better. Let dry several days. When thoroughly dry toss on hard floor. The glass inside will break to make the sound part. Paint in bright colors. Voila! Maracas. Big flood light bulbs are really great! Add ribbons to handle for even fancier ones.

I brought a lightbulb to a recycling event sponsored by our senator and assemblyman. They did not know what could be done with it (or that some contain mercury) so they suggested that I try the Earth911 site. This is where I found out that Home Depot takes them.

An increasing number of larger hardware stores (aside from the national big box stores) are also providing access to recycling fluorescent (tube or CFL) and incandescent bulbs.
It never hurts to check with your state\local solid waste website for hazardous household waste options.

I have taken my old CFLs to the Home Depot, and fluorescent bulbs, too, my only time I use the old-fashioned incandescents is for a very few lamps that won't accommodate a CFL style bulb~!

Lowe's, Home Depot and Ikea take lightbulbs at the front of their stores for recycling, just be sure to put it in something so it doesn't break-I use bubble wrap envelopes that are leftover or paper bags. Also, if you don't like the ultra bright white light bulbs there's a million different shades available now in both LED and CFL, a yellow-amber hue is more similar to natural light and will help you wind down for bed as it imitates the natural sunset. I have some and they work great.