When it comes to unused electronics taking up space at home, nothing is more iconic than an old tube TV gathering dust in an attic, basement, or garage. Tube TVs—also known as Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TVs—are both cumbersome to move around and difficult to dispose of in Massachusetts. However, you’ve got several options for tube TV disposal in Massachusetts, from local events hosted by your city to convenient collection centers that can quickly take TVs and other household hazardous products off your hands.
What Makes Tube TVs Hazardous Waste?
There are two primary hazards associated with CRT TVs: the materials they’re made of and the tubes themselves—especially when fully charged. Both pose a hazard to those who handle these electronics and to the environment itself.
- Heavy Metals: CRT monitors and TVs can contain anywhere from 2 to 5 pounds of lead per unit! Color CRT may contain mercury – commonly found in many electronics – which is hazardous if the screen cracks. These metals make landfill disposal impractical (and banned in MA), as they can leach and damage the environment.
- Electrocution & Explosion: Tube TVs hold a lot of voltage, even after being unplugged for short times—the average color TV has 27,000 volts when fully charged. This lethal charge, combined with the fragile vacuum tube, means that damaging or disassembling the monitor can lead to electrocution and tube implosion (and then explosion).
Learn more in our blog, The Dangers of Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitors and Televisions, and check out our dedicated Fact Sheet on CRT TVs as well.
Looking at CRT TV Disposal Options
With the above hazards, these products can’t be disposed of by your municipal garbage hauler or taken down to the dump. What are your options for tube TV disposal?
Municipal Household Disposal Events
Many cities and county municipalities host events for disposing of household hazardous waste. These usually occur once or twice a year with set drop-off points. These can generally be found on your city’s website under their trash and recycling programs. Many have a restricted list of what they’ll accept or have weight limits, so make sure to review it ahead of time. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has put together this page with handy links for MA city and town websites: https://www.mass.gov/lists/massachusetts-city-town-recycling-links
Donation Programs That Accept TVs
For TVs that are still usable, you can also check with your local charities and other non-profits. Each program will take only certain things, but they can often help with pickup. Due to the hazards associated with tube TVs, you’ll want to thoroughly inspect and test the television before donating. For Massachusetts’ residents, MassDEP has put together a list of non-profit donation and reuse programs here: https://www.mass.gov/lists/donation-reuse
Household Hazardous Product Collection Centers
Your last option is businesses that offer TV disposal as part of their services. Certain junk hauling companies can provide these services, though they usually charge extra because they have to take it to a disposal company. Direct residential hazardous waste disposal businesses in Massachusetts are rare, but it’s always worth looking into them for greater convenience, including hours, pickup services, and expanded lists of what they accept.
Our MA Household Hazardous Products Collection Centers arose from the desire to provide alternatives to the often complex and rare opportunities for residents to get tube TVs, flat-screen TVs, and other hazardous products out of their homes. Our tagline is “Because Household Hazardous Waste Shouldn’t Be Difficult,” and we stand behind it. Learn what we accept, our MA locations and times, and our Massachusetts household pick-up services.
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