- 1Do not attempt to remove from fixtures yourself
- 2Contact professional neon service for removal
- 3Keep glass tubes intact during transport
- 4Handle electrode connections carefully
- 5Document tube length and gas type if known
- 6Use protective packaging for transport
- Neon sign companies
- Specialty glass recyclers
- Hazardous waste facilities
- Commercial lighting recyclers
Contains mercury and high voltage components. Must be recycled through specialized facilities. Never break or cut tubes.
Neon tubes contain mercury and rare noble gases. Recycling recovers glass, mercury, and valuable gases while preventing environmental contamination.
Accepted
- Neon advertising signs
- Architectural neon lighting
- Argon-filled tubes
- Neon art installations
- Cold cathode tubes
- Neon transformer assemblies
Not Accepted
- Broken tubes with exposed gas
- LED 'neon' strips (not actual neon)
- Tubes with damaged electrodes
Estimated value: $3-8 per linear foot in glass and gas recovery
Manufacturer/Retail Take‑Back
- Mercury
- Noble gases (argon, neon)
- High voltage electrodes
- Lead glass (older tubes)
Is LED neon the same as real neon?
No. LED 'neon' is actually LED strips in plastic housings that mimic neon appearance. Real neon uses gas-filled glass tubes.
Can I recycle vintage neon signs?
Yes, but consider their antique value first. Many vintage signs are worth more intact than recycled.
What gases are in neon tubes?
Neon gas produces red/orange light, argon with mercury produces blue, and other gas mixtures create different colors.