Flip the switch if the light bulb is on. Let the light bulb thoroughly cool. Disregard this step if the bulb has already burned out.
Position a stepladder directly under the light bulb. Access the bulb from the stepladder.
Rip off a 12-inch-long piece of duct tape. Adhere a 2-inch section from the center of the tape strip onto the light bulb. Firmly press the duct tape onto the bulb.
Fold the two loose ends of the tape strip back against themselves to form handles. Tightly grip both tape handles with one hand and firmly twist them counterclockwise to loosen the light bulb.
Continue twisting the tape handles counterclockwise until the recessed light bulb comes out of the fixture.