CRT Tubes

Ok. I know this has been discussed before, but the info seemed outdated. So here's my personal situation...

I specialize in TV's because the dumps here in WI usually charge $15-25 per TV to dispose of them. I pick them up locally for free. I go every weekend and usually get 10-15/weekend.

I obviously don't get too much out of TV's, but in bulk, I get enough to cover my driving to houses, school, and my own house.

In my back yard, I have about 40-50 CRT tubes, some with the neck broken off, others with just the small nub on the back broken. I can't really be storing them much longer, and I obviously can't afford the $20 charge from the dump.

So my question is, without a municipal garbage system, what do I do with them? My carrier won't take them, and they are bare tubes, so I have no real options here. Anyone know if the goodwill Dell Reconnect program will take them bare? They aren't all Dell tubes, however. Any other stores take them bare? I want to avoid paying money as much as possible, and I would be willing to travel within WI to dump them off. I live in the North Central part of WI.



Any help is appreciated greatly. I need these out of here!

I thought I read somewhere (maybe in one of those "outdated" threads) that Goodwill would take broken tubes. I think if you look on their website it says something about it too. I'm pretty sure it said to put them in a box, seal it and write broken tube or broken CRT on the box and they would take it. It could be worth a call to save you some money. Short of that route, I think you'll have to pay to dispose of them.

Usually people who get into tv recycling line up their disposal sources before they start tearing them down. Just sayin'

let me get this straight, you want to scrap tvs to make some money, but you don't want to be responsable for properly disposing of the crap you create if it cost you money.

personally I think there aught to be a law that says you can't lose in Vegas too.

he could always save up a bunch of them crush them all down (wearing a respirator) mix the glass with concrete and pour himself a fallout shelter. just trowing out ideas, you seem to be up **** creek without a paddle and did think this through.

Definitely a lack of thinking on my part. Just to clarify, I do want to properly dispose of them, that's why I am not throwing them away.

Fallout shelter would be awesome, but it would take up the same amount of room as the tubes!

So I have come up with a solution.

I will check with Goodwill, and if they will take them, awesome! I'll bring a few in every week, and have a friend do the same.

The local dump here charges $0.46/lb for taking these tubes. They say it's the "eScrap" charge. I think I will take them there if all else fails, and either way I will charge $5.00-10.00 for each TV, but still offer my free pickup. This way they are paying for the glass, and I get the rest as profit. Not bad seen as how the dump wants $15-20 each when they are whole. Plus I pick them up

I'll also have to find something else to find to scrap to bring in some extra cash, if anyone has suggestions. Preferably something with no hazardous waste ;P

Tip from the inexperienced scrapper: Plan Ahead

Also thanks for everyone's responses. I'm finding this forum ever more helpful!

Outdated stuff included Best Buy who only takes them as a whole now.

Check with URT down in Janesville, they recycle CRT's.

I don't mean to look down upon previous threads or any information, however, the Best Buy program does not accept the gutted TV's. I believe they used to, but then learned that it was not profitable for them.

I am awaiting an email from URT, no info yet, but they do charge for it as well I believe, and the dump close to me is about a 15 mile drive. Quick and easy, even if the price is a bit higher. I'll do whatever is cheapest.

And thanks KZBell! Even if I loose a bit, I have learned my lesson on scrapping this kind of stuff. I just updated my ads to reflect the $10.00 charge for TV's and anything with hazardous waste.

initiation by fire, happens all the time.

URT will not accept the bare tubes. Emailed them last week. It is a free drop-off for complete units only.

Glad to see your doing this responsibly. I charge anytime I pickup CRT's by themselves. As far as what else to scrap, right now I take everything but items containing freon. Metal, plastic and escrap all have value just find a buyer before acquiring. Good luck

Originally Posted by duece2000

Glad to see your doing this responsibly. I charge anytime I pickup CRT's by themselves. As far as what else to scrap, right now I take everything but items containing freon. Metal, plastic and escrap all have value just find a buyer before acquiring. Good luck

Plastic you say? I haven't heard much about selling plastic. Do tell if you don't mind please!

johnuppy: Thanks for the info!

Mechanic688: That's a brilliant idea. One I have thought of before,but never really done. I suppose it's easy enough. Take the board, the yoke, and the degaussing cable, and leave the rest for someone else. Plenty of companies that will take them as a whole. I suppose they don't mind if the good stuff is missing?