With the advent of large flat screen TVs, millions of Americans buy newer, bigger screens every year. This means that there are potentially millions of "old" screens. The problem is how to dispose of televisions that either don’t work or no one wants?
An old television– especially an old cathode ray tube, or CRT, model - can survive for 20 to 30 years. Because of their longevity and the fact that they are also extremely heavy, people tend to leave them around instead of taking steps to get rid of them.
Televisions are constructed in two ways. The old technology included the use of cathode ray tubes, or CRTs. The more recent approach is the flat screen variations.
The large, pyramid-shaped assembly with a television screen on the front end is the CRT. These devices are heavy and somewhat fragile, which is a problem because of the contents of the CRT.
A typical CRT can contain up to eight pounds of lead, a layer of cadmium-based phosphorus and other toxic heavy metals. Normally, a CRT is not a health threat. However, if the glass on a CRT breaks, it can release the lead and other materials into the air or ground.
Even flat screen TVs present a hazard for disposal. While not as hazardous as lead-filled glass CRTs, old flat screen TVs still contain a variety of toxins and hazardous materials, in addition to wood, plastics, copper wiring and circuit boards.
Part of the problem with getting rid of an old "new" television, such as the flat screen type, is the sheer bulk and size of the units. The fact is that flat screen TV disposal can be a problem leaving many owners wondering what to do with an old TV that still works?
Giving them back to the manufacturer or retailer is sometimes an option. In fact, many major brands and retailers have programs for accepting old products, even if they no longer work. In addition, some retailers offer collection programs for recycling flat screen televisions.
Recycling, of course, is always the best option for old televisions that do not work.
There are a few issues to consider with television disposal and television recycling. Electronic waste, or e-waste, has special electronic recycling requirements. Because of the laws and regulations in states such as California, many items such as monitors, TVs, and even cell phones cannot go into the waste stream. What's more, when you want to properly dispose of a computer monitor - particularly any old CRT devices you still have around - the process takes time, effort and money.
One easy option is to call Junk King for your broken television disposal or old tv recycling. This is true whether we're talking about old computer monitors, old CRT televisions, or large flat screen units. Junk King provides an efficient, safe and eco-friendly old TV disposal service to make the whole process easy for you. Our experienced team will do all the heavy lifting to haul away your old TV set without damaging your home. Finally, we’ll make sure that the TV is disposed of at a proper recycling facility so that it doesn’t do any harm to our ecosystem. (back to top)