Discard of old tubes

[TomS]

If this is a stupid quesiton I apologize in advance.

Is there any type of protocol or recycling concerns, environmental or otherwise, or when discarding old/used vacuum tubes? Any use or value to someone for old tubes? I would gladly do what I need to do to dispose of them properly or to see that they can be put to use by someone else.

I post this question on this forum as I know there are some very capable amp people who participate in THE FENDER FORUM.

In the past I have thrown them out and had not thought much about it. I just got my amp back from the shop today and the tech, as is his normal practice, returned to old tubes to me. Let me know. Thanks.

[Cygnus X1]

I have had some thoughts without all that much knowledge.
I do know tubes have some heavy metal elements you wouldn't want in a common landfill, or a water supply.
Barium, cadmium, lead...etc.
I still hang on to tubes I foresee no possible use for.
On the other hand, check the antique radio forums.
Those guys might just want that "plinker" you have.

I have found myself using some of those plinkers in old amps found on ebay to resurrect some radios and PA's that I never would have thought about.

Don't wreck them-sell them.

[Offshore Angler]

Target practice.