TV and Electronics Types and Where Each One Can Go
Tube (CRT) TVs and Monitors
Tube TVs are the items people get stuck with. The EPA explains why: the funnel glass inside a cathode ray tube contains lead, so CRTs headed for disposal count as hazardous waste under federal rules, and the agency steers them toward repair, reuse or recycling. Recycling them isn't free. HireAHelper notes that per-pound electronics fees run highest for older CRT TVs. Goodwill turns down tube TVs, projection sets and floor models.
Flat-Screen TVs
A working flat screen has options a tube set doesn't. Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee accepts flat-screen TVs. A cracked or dead one still goes to an electronics recycler, not the trash. If it's on a wall mount, ask whether the hauler will take it down and remove the bracket, or whether you should do that first.
Computers, Laptops and Monitors
The FTC's advice for an old computer has three steps: back up what you want to keep, erase the hard drive or reset it to factory settings, then recycle it. It also notes that most computers contain hazardous materials that don't belong in a landfill. Goodwill accepts flat computer monitors but not CRT monitors. HomeGuide puts removal of a computer or printer at $70 to $90 each.
Printers, Stereos and Small Electronics
Standalone printers are the expensive item here, at around $200 each in Angi's figures. Stereos, game consoles, routers and DVD players are light and can share one trip fee. The bigger hazard in this pile is batteries. The EPA counted more than 240 fires caused by lithium-ion batteries at 64 waste facilities from 2013 to 2020, garbage trucks included. It says to bag each battery separately and tape the terminals.
Why Clarksville homeowners call Clarksville Junk Haulers
- Your request goes to one local hauler, not a call list
- Ask for the all-in price before anything is loaded
- Free to call; you pay only the hauler, for the job you agree to
- Tell us about stairs, heavy items or a deadline up front
Where Electronics Go in Montgomery County
Bi-County Solid Waste
The county recycling page lists drop-off at Bi-County for TVs, computers, laptops and cell phones, free for most items. Call ahead to ask which items carry a charge.Goodwill
Flat-screen TVs and flat monitors only. No tube TVs or CRT monitors.State hazardous waste day
The state's free mobile household hazardous waste collection does not accept electronics. It does take lithium and button batteries.A hauler
Worth it when the TVs are heavy, upstairs, or mixed in with other junk going out the same day.
Before Electronics Leave the House
STEP 01
Back up and wipe
Copy the photos and files you want, then reset each computer, tablet and phone to factory settings.
STEP 02
Pull the batteries
Take out removable laptop and tool batteries. Bag each one and tape the terminals.
STEP 03
Group everything
Angi's advice on the trip fee is to wait until you have a collection. Gather every dead device from the house into one pile before you call.
See office furniture removal for desks and filing cabinets that go out with an office's old computers.