Household Hazardous Waste
This item should never be put in a curbside bin. For more information visit our household hazardous waste page.
Exit Signs -Tritium
Tritium is a radioactive gas found in nature that can also be produced in a nuclear reaction. It emits ionizing radiation (low energy beta particles) that can produce light by interaction with a phosphor on the inside of the glass tubing of an exit sign. The tritium will lose half of its energy in about twelve years resulting in a significant decrease in the light output from the exit sign. Tritium exit signs can be useful because they require no electrical power or maintenance for many years.
Permanent warning label will mention tritium, 3H or H-3, display the three-bladed radiation warning symbol, and state "Caution-Radioactive Materials." Click here for information on identification and handling. Tritium exit signs cannot be disposed of in the ordinary trash or given to another individual not specifically licensed by the CDPH or Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Persons installing and removing exit signs should take caution to minimize their exposure in the event the glass tubes are broken.
Vendors
| Vendor | Address | City | Destination | Disposal Method | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West County HHW Collection Facility | 101 Pittsburg Ave. | Richmond | Safe Disposal | Accepted through the CESQ or the VSQG program for business waste. Go to their website for details. | ||
| Veolia Environmental Services | 1125 Hensley St | Richmond | Safe Disposal | Mail-in for a Fee | ||
| The Lighting Source |
8616 Holloway Dr Suite 8 |
West Hollywood | Safe Disposal | Mail-in for a Fee | Cost is per sign face. | |
| Safety Kleen (San Jose) | 1147 N 10th Street | San Jose | Safe Disposal | Pick-up for a Fee | ||
| Lighting Resources Recyclers (EZ on the Earth) | 400 N Forsythe St | Franklin | Safe Disposal | Mail-in for a Fee | Call and state the number of signs to get quote and paperwork. | |
| Lamp Master |
419 Northland Blvd Suite B |
Cincinnati | Safe Disposal | Mail-in for a Fee | Individual signs or larger quantity | |
| Curie Environmental Services |
4020 Vassar Drive NE Suite D |
Albuquerque | Safe Disposal | Mail-in for a Fee | Curie lists disposal of exit signs and radium containing “glow in the dark” items under “Commercial” services. | |
| Clean Harbors | 1021 Berryessa Road | San Jose | Safe Disposal | Pick-up for a Fee | Radioactive services | |
| BulbCycle |
7700 Regents Road #113 Suite 547 |
San Diego | Safe Disposal | Mail-in for a Fee | ||
| Alameda County Business Hazardous Waste Program (Oakland Facility) | 2100 East 7th Street | Oakland | Safe Disposal | Drop-off for a Fee | If non-powered glow-in-the-dark may contain radioactive material, contact Calif DPH, Radiological Health Branch for information | |
| Alameda County Business Hazardous Waste Program (Livermore Facility) | 5584 La Ribera Street | Livermore | Safe Disposal | Drop-off for a Fee | If non-powered glow-in-the-dark may contain radioactive material, contact Calif DPH, Radiological Health Branch for information | |
| Alameda County Business Hazardous Waste Program (Hayward Facility) | 2091 West Winton Avenue | Hayward | Safe Disposal | Drop-off for a Fee | If non-powered glow-in-the-dark may contain radioactive material, contact Calif DPH, Radiological Health Branch for information | |
| Alameda County Business Hazardous Waste Program (Fremont Facility) | 41149 Boyce Rd. | Fremont | Safe Disposal | Drop-off for a Fee | If non-powered glow-in-the-dark may contain radioactive material, contact Calif DPH, Radiological Health Branch for information |
