How to Dispose of a CRT TV? 6 Safe Options [2026]

CRT televisions contain a cathode ray tube made with 4–8 pounds of lead in the glass. When a CRT breaks in a landfill, that lead leaches into soil and groundwater. The EPA classifies CRT glass as hazardous waste.

As of 2026, at least 25 states have laws banning CRT TVs from landfills and regular trash. Penalties for illegal disposal range from $50 to $25,000 depending on the state. Even in states without explicit bans, most waste haulers refuse CRTs in regular pickup.

Beyond lead, CRTs also contain cadmium, barium, and phosphor coatings — all toxic materials that require proper handling during recycling.

Yes. Best Buy accepts CRT TVs under 32 inches at all store locations for free recycling. No purchase required — just bring it to the customer service desk or designated recycling area.

For CRTs over 32 inches, Best Buy offers haul-away for $199.99 as part of their appliance delivery service (requires a new TV purchase). If you have a large CRT and are not buying a new TV from Best Buy, you will need a different disposal method.

Best Buy partners with certified e-waste recyclers who safely extract the lead and other hazardous materials. This is one of the most responsible free options available.

CRT disposal costs vary widely based on method and TV size:

• •Best Buy drop-off: Free for CRTs under 32 inches
• •City e-waste collection events: Free (check your city calendar for dates)
• •E-waste recyclers: $20–$50 depending on size. Many charge by the inch — $1.50 per diagonal inch is common. A 27-inch CRT would cost about $40.
• •Scrap/recycling centers: $30–$75 per CRT. Some charge by weight ($0.20–$0.35 per pound). A typical 27-inch CRT weighs 80–100 lbs.
• •Dropcurb: $79 for curbside pickup, same day, any size
• •1-800-GOT-JUNK: $150–$300+ with in-person estimate required

Several free options exist if you can transport the CRT yourself:

• •Best Buy stores: Free drop-off for CRTs under 32 inches at any location nationwide
• •City e-waste collection events: Most cities hold 2–4 free electronics recycling events per year. Check your city or county website for the schedule.
• •Manufacturer take-back programs: Some TV manufacturers (Sony, Samsung, LG) participate in recycling programs. Check the manufacturer website for drop-off locations.
• •Goodwill: Some Goodwill locations partner with Dell Reconnect to accept electronics for recycling, including CRT TVs
• •Earth911.com: Search your zip code to find the nearest free CRT recycling drop-off

Donating a working CRT TV is difficult in 2026. Most charities — including Salvation Army and Goodwill — no longer accept CRT televisions because there is virtually no demand. Schools and libraries that once used CRTs have upgraded to flat screens.

If your CRT still works and you want to try donating:

• •Check retro gaming communities (r/crtgaming on Reddit) — gamers actively seek CRT TVs for retro consoles
• •Post on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist as "free CRT TV" — collectors and gamers may pick it up
• •Contact local community theaters or art studios — some use CRTs for productions or art installations

For non-working CRTs, donation is not an option. Recycling or professional removal is the only responsible path.

CRT TVs are dangerously heavy — a 32-inch model weighs 100–150 lbs and the weight is unevenly distributed toward the front. Moving one incorrectly risks back injury or dropping it (which releases toxic lead dust).

• •Always lift with two people for CRTs over 20 inches
• •Grip from the bottom, never by the screen or casing edges
• •Use a hand truck or furniture dolly for transport
• •Keep the TV upright — laying it face-down puts pressure on the tube
• •If the screen is cracked or broken, wear gloves and a dust mask. Do not vacuum the dust — it contains lead. Wipe with a damp cloth and dispose of the cloth in a sealed bag.