How to recycle or retire self-luminous exit signs safely and in compliance — with a simple 4-step process you can hand to your team.
Last updated: June 2026
Why Disposal Matters
Tritium (self-luminous) exit signs are owned under a general license. When they reach end-of-life—or if one is damaged—you must retire them through a licensed facility. Proper disposal protects people and property, keeps your records clean for inspections, and avoids fines for improper handling.
- Identify — locate model/serial and update your inventory.
- Label — use the recycler’s kit and labeling. (emailed instructions)
- Ship — return to a licensed facility via provided carrier.
- Document — save chain-of-custody; close out inventory.
How to Dispose of Tritium Exit Signs
Never landfill or scrap a tritium sign. Use a licensed recycler or return program. Here’s the standard workflow:
1) Identify
- Confirm model and serial numbers; note install location and date.
- Mark units as expired or damaged in your inventory.
2) Labeling
- Following instructions for labeling package (sent via email)
3) Ship
- Book the approved carrier and keep tracking details.
- Include any required forms provided by the recycler.
4) Document
- Save the chain-of-custody and recycler receipt.
- Update your inventory to close out each serial number.
Need a printable checklist? See the Tritium Compliance Handbook for owner duties and recordkeeping. For background on how the signs work and where they fit, read the Tritium Exit Signs – Complete Guide.
- Clear the area and restrict access.
- Notify your radiation-safety contact and building management.
- Arrange licensed disposal and file any required incident reports.
When Does Disposal Apply?
- End-of-life: 10-year or 20-year rated unit has reached service life.
- Damage: cracked housing/tubes, compromised labels, or vandalism.
- Decommission: building changes or spec upgrades remove the sign.
FAQs
Can I throw away an expired tritium exit sign?
No. Don’t landfill or scrap it. Return the sign to a licensed facility or certified recycler.
Can I ship tritium signs myself?
Yes—for disposal via licensed providers. Follow the recycler’s packaging and paperwork instructions, then keep your chain-of-custody.
Do I need to tell anyone when I dispose of a sign?
Keep inventory up to date and follow your recycler’s/regulator’s reporting requirements. The Compliance Handbook includes a quick owner checklist.
Treat disposal as part of the replacement plan
Expired or removed tritium exit signs should not be handled like ordinary scrap. Pair the replacement decision with a documented return or recycling path so the facility keeps its inspection file clean.
| Disposal trigger | Best next path | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Sign is expired, damaged, renovated out, or no longer needed | Tritium disposal and recycling service | Record the label, serial information, quantity, condition, and return instructions. |
| The location still needs no-power exit signage | Replacement tritium exit signs | Choose the new face count, arrows, legend color, and service life before removal creates a gap. |
| Charging light is now dependable after renovation | Photoluminescent exit signs | Photoluminescent signs can avoid future tritium disposal when the lighting conditions qualify. |
| Facility needs a records checklist | Tritium compliance handbook | Use the compliance guide and the buyer guide to document why the replacement path changed. |
Related exit sign planning links
- Before replacing self-luminous signs, review the photoluminescent vs tritium decision path to see whether charging-light conditions allow a non-radioactive option.