By Lu Annatone
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March 15, 2025
We all know the one massive, clunky 36” CRT television from the early 2000s that weighs more than a small refrigerator. It’s been sitting in the basement, the garage, or maybe even shoved in a spare room, untouched for years. You may have fond memories of it; perhaps you watched your first DVD on the things back in the day or enjoyed some N64 Mario Kart on the big old beauty, but its time has come and gone. You’d love to get rid of it, but the question remains: where does it actually go? Where to dispose of a big old TV!? The Challenges of Disposing of Old TVs Unlike modern flat-screen TVs, older cathode-ray tube ( CRT ) televisions contain hazardous materials such as leaded glass and mercury, making them a disposal nightmare. Simply tossing them in the trash isn’t an option, and many states, including Massachusetts, have strict laws against it due to environmental risks. CRT TVs have to be properly recycled according to state guidelines . Professional Junk Removal: The Hassle-Free Solution Instead of breaking your back trying to move one of these behemoths or searching for a proper recycling site, our professional junk removal services make the process easy. We’ll take your old TV to an appropriate electronics recycling facility, where harmful materials are properly handled. Environmental Surcharges: Why TV Disposal Isn’t Free Because old CRT TVs contain hazardous materials, recycling facilities often charge an environmental disposal fee. These surcharges help cover the costs of safely extracting and disposing of the lead, phosphor coatings, and other toxic substances inside the tubes. While it’s an extra cost, it’s a small price to pay to prevent dangerous materials from leaching into the environment. Feel Like DIY-ing Your Old TVs Disposal? If you prefer a DIY approach, you can check with: Local Electronics Recycling Centers – Some towns and cities offer drop-off locations for a fee. Retail Trade-In or Recycling Programs – Stores like Best Buy or Staples occasionally offer take-back programs for old electronics. But chances are, with a 20+-year-old TV, they won’t want to deal with it either. Community Cleanup Events – Many municipalities hold special hazardous waste collection days for items like CRT TVs. Resale Market —Funny enough, some CRT TV models have found new life on the secondary resale market because they’re much better for retrogaming on older consoles. Your big old TV may be worth some cash! Say Goodbye to the Big Old Box, Make Room & Move On! If your old Sony, JVC, or Mitsubishi (throwback) TV isn’t doing anything but taking up space, whether it’s in your garage, basement, or attic, it’s time to clear it out! Our junk removal team can take it off your hands quickly and recycle it responsibly so you can finally reclaim that corner of your home. Don’t let outdated electronics clutter your space any longer. Contact us today to schedule a trash removal / junk pick-up and say goodbye to your ancient TV for good! While you’re at it, why not get rid of some old furniture to accompany it? Learn about our furniture removal services .