How to Dispose of a CRT TV

Don't toss that old TV without doing your homework.

If you've just switched over to a flat-screen TV and don't need that old television any more, getting rid of it will reduce the clutter in your home. However, depending on where you live, throwing it in the trash may be illegal. Many old TVs contain cathode ray tubes (CRTs), which themselves contain lead. It's important to get your town's laws regarding television disposal before you take action. Once you know what you can do, getting rid of the old CRT TV is a snap.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Contact your town's Department of Public Works and ask what their policy is regarding CRT TV disposal. Find out where you can bring the television, whether you can leave it curbside or whether there's a size limit on CRT TV disposal. If your town doesn't allow for regular disposal, find out about upcoming hazardous-waste disposal days or large-item disposal days that may allow you to throw it out.

2. Dispose of the old TV in the proper way per your town's policy. You may need to bring it to a landfill or place it by the curb on trash day, or you might keep the television in your home until a pickup day.

3. Check with your television's manufacturer to see if they accept old televisions back for disposal. As Green Your notes, some manufacturers do this, and Sony has been accepting old TVs back since 2007. If this is an option for you, arrange to send the television back.

4. Drop working CRT TVs off at local thrift stores. Someone may be able to use that television. Donation is a free form of disposal that allows others to benefit from your goods. You can also check with schools, teen centers, senior centers and other nonprofits to see whether anyone wants the old TV.

Tips & Warnings

• Include your old television's remote if you plan to donate it.

References

• Cinevidia: 6 Ways to Dispose of Your Old TV
• Green Your: Dispose of Your Television Properly

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Take Back My TV