Today, the average American household has at least two televisions. The modern flat-panel TV has seen the end of the cathode-ray tube (CRT), which were large, bulky boxes that used to live in basements or attics.
The CRT TVs still in households pose a unique challenge for electronics recyclers because they are full of dangerous substances.
An average CRT has 6 pounds of lead and other toxic materials. You can see that improper disposal of tube TVs has serious environmental implications.
Let’s first discuss where to dispose of old televisions.
What can I do to dispose of a Tube TV?
A registered recycling center, such as Ecycle Florida, authorized to recycle CRT TVs can help you dispose of your tube TV. There are still options, especially if your TV is still working.
Here are four ways to get rid of your tube TVs:
1. Donate It
Although most households won’t use them, there are still many places that will accept them.
You can contact local schools, shelters, non-profit organizations, and thrift shops as long as your item is still in good condition.
Before you drop it off, call them or send an email with a photo.
2. Return it to the Manufacturer
To ensure proper disposal, some TV manufacturers will take an older TV. You will need to contact the company first as not all companies offer this return service.
3. You can either sell it or give it away
You might be amazed at the amount of money you can make from TV recycling if your TV isn’t too old or damaged.
Advertise it on Craigslist to see if any gamers are interested in an old TV they can use with their 80s or 90s gaming consoles.
4. Take it to an Electronics Recycling Facility
If none of these methods work and you don’t know where you can take your old TVs, you can drop them or mail the TV in. Or, you can have it collected by a recycling and disposal company such as Ecycle Florida, which will safely recycle TVs in an environmentally responsible manner.
Conclusion
This stage will give you enough information to understand why your TV should not be thrown away. It is important that you give your CRT TV to Ecycle Florida for proper recycling.
This post was written by Steven Elia Co-Founder and Recycling Director at eCycle Florida. eCycle Florida is an R2 Certified electronics recycling company in the state of Florida. Our processes and procedures are dedicated to the proper destruction and recycling of your electronics. eCycle Florida is your go-to when looking for an electronic recycling center in Tampa. To learn more click here!