How to Recycle a CRT TV

Recycle the CRT when you upgrade to flat screen.

So-called CRT or cathode-ray tube televisions contain hazardous waste like lead and mercury. And not just a touch of lead--up to 8 pounds of the material, notes Yahoo! Green. Electronics recycling policies vary by community, so recycling your old CRT TV might be easy for some. No matter where you live you can find a good recycling option with persistence. If you haven't bought your new set yet, find out whether you can recycle the CRT TV when you buy for convenience.

Instructions

1. Call your town's recycling program and find out whether they accept CRT televisions for recycling. This is the easiest option, but not all communities do this. If yours does, determine whether you bring the old TV to a recycling center or leave it curbside for collection.

2. Search for other recycling centers near you that accept televisions at Earth911 (see Resources). Type "television" in the search box then enter your zip code. Call matching centers to determine their open hours and confirm that you can recycle your CRT TV.

3. Visit a nearby Best Buy to discuss television recycling. This electronics retailer offers free TV recycling when you purchase a new TV through them, and paid electronics recycling to remove your old CRT television. For a $100 fee you can schedule a pickup of up to two old TVs, with a $20 charge for each additional television. Per their website, you must schedule and pay for this service at a store location.

4. Check with your television's manufacturer to see if they have TV recycling programs. If so, find out how to recycle your old CRT TV. You might have to mail back the unit or bring it to a drop-off location.

5. Check with senior centers, youth centers, religious groups and nonprofits to see if they need a television. If your old CRT TV works, give it to one of these groups.

Tips & Warnings

• If donating the television to a group, include the TV manual and the remote control.

References

• Yahoo! Green: Recycle That Old TV
• Best Buy: Recycling

Resources

• Earth911: Search