Text Us
People have had personal computers in their homes for almost four decades now. First there were the massive desktop workstations with huge CPU towers and a bulky monitor. Usually in some attractive shade of beige. By the mid-1990s it was estimated that almost 35 percent of US households owned a computer.
Of course, everyone had a TV, too. Maybe several.
Televisions began popping up in homes as early as the 1940s. While there were 350,000 TV sets in the US by 1948, by the end of 1952, TVs could be found in 20 million households across America. And, in 1993, 98 percent of households owned at least one TV, with 64 percent owning two or more TVs.
The problem with all these older computers and televisions, especially prior to flat screen monitors and screens, is that they ended up in the trash eventually.
The Problem with CRTs – Computer Recycling and TV Recycling Issues
It wasn’t until about the mid-2000s that CRT, or cathode ray tube, television sets and computer monitors began to cease being produced. In fact, these heavy, bulky devices used to be all that we knew when it came to TV and computer screens.
Today they have become a collector’s item.
And a toxic waste hazard when they are disposed of improperly.
According to an online story from a major network,
“Toxic glass from old-style television sets and computer monitors could end up polluting landfills if new uses for them are not found soon, scientists warn.
Open up an old TV and you’ll find a funnel-shaped device known as a cathode ray tube. These tubes, which are the inspiration for the term “boob tube,” are going the way of the floppy disk as plasma screen TVs and computer monitors replace older, boxier models.
Cathode ray tubes, or CRTs, are made of heavy leaded glass, which is used to block harmful X-rays produced by the tube’s cathode ray guns. The leaded glass is categorized as hazardous waste in Europe and most of America.”
That was back in 2010. Today, the problem still exists because of the sheer number of old TV sets and computer monitors that are still out there in bedrooms, dens, back offices, garages, and elsewhere.
The problem with those millions of cathode ray tubes that are still around is a toxic issue known as lead.
Because these old TV sets and computer monitors built with what are now aging CRTs inside of them have toxic levels of lead in the glass funnel of those cathode ray tubes. How much lead? It turns out that the larger CRTs can house up to five pounds of lead.
Even though this material is safely encased in the glass tube, if this container is broken it can present a health hazard. And old sets that are tossed (illegally) into household trash and then enter the municipal waste stream run the very real risk of being broken.
And even today this is a very real problem with the old TVs and monitors simply because there are so many of them still out there!
One report commissioned by the EPA in 2011 estimated that over 580 million CRT televisions had been sold in the US since 1980. And that’s not counting all the CRT computer monitors sold in the same time period.
The same report also noted that the average CRT was used for 11 years but kept in storage long after that.
Fortunately for everyone, including those of us living in the Washington DC area where computers and TVs are found in abundance, it’s not all dire doom and gloom.
In fact, the good news is that these old units can still be safely processed and disposed of using eco-friendly processes. But it’s also important to keep in mind that there are rules to follow when disposing of them.
And that’s critical since these old CRTs contain toxic metals that could leach into a dump site. Consequently, today there are 18 states that specifically ban them from landfills.
For example, CRTs are “Mandatory Recyclables” in the state of Maryland (unlike Virginia!)
Simple Steps for Secure Disposal of Computers and TVs
While your old CRT computer monitor won’t have any data in it, your old CPU and hard drive will. And that old desktop (or laptop) computer should be cleaned of all personal data and information before disposal.
And what about that old TV? Certainly, it won’t require anything more than simply being loaded on a junk removal truck or taken to a proper recycling facility.
Right?
Not so much. There are a few steps that should be taken with these old devices, as well.
With a bit of effort on your part, e-waste recyclers can help to ensure that your old computer monitors, CRT television sets, and other related electronic waste items are properly and safely dismantled and recycled.
Computer and TV Recycling with Junk King Washington DC Means Great Pricing
We’ve mentioned before that we are proud to be recognized as the Number One junk removal service in the industry, and we work hard to keep it that way. But, along with our reputation for great service, we are also known for having the best pricing for junk removal services in our area, as well.
That means in places like Upper Marlboro, Davidsonville, Waldorf, Aquasco, and Cheltenham.
For Junk King Washington DC that means always offering fair and transparent prices. In addition, we guarantee to beat any written estimate from any other junk removal company that is licensed, insured, and fully committed to being a recycling-based operation like we are.
Fair and transparent prices also means that we offer free estimates – and four different ways to get one:
- On-site estimates are the best and most accurate way for us to assess your job and offer you the lowest price.
- You can also call us at 1-888-888-JUNK or live chat with our friendly customer service team.
- Or you can text us at 737-888-5865 with a photo of your items, and we will text you an estimate.
- Online estimates are easy! Just click the “Pricing” tab above, choose “Pricing Estimator”, and click the green “Launch Pricing Estimator” button.
Regardless of which method you use to get your free estimate, the final, no-obligation price will be provided to you by our trained technicians.
Taking Care of Computer Recycling and TV Recycling with Junk King Washington DC
When you call Junk King Washington DC you know that you’ll be getting world-class service and the area’s most efficient and eco-friendly junk removal service.
Our overriding goal is to make junk removal of any kind easy for you. And one of the best parts of that for you is the fact that we do all the heavy lifting! The easiest junk removal is junk removal you don’t have to do yourself.
Junk King’s professional and experienced junk removal team will carefully remove and haul off any other types of junk you have except hazardous waste. And remember: your TV or computer e-waste is not considered “hazardous waste” unless it ends up in a landfill, incinerator, or waste transfer station.
Junk King Washington DC is a part of one of the nation’s largest and most respected junk removal firms. In addition, our Junk King location is proud to be a 100 percent veteran-owned and a local business: DC area residents serving other DC area residents!
Along with offering green and eco-friendly junk removal, our other passion is providing outstanding service to our neighbors that live in and around Washington DC.
Once you book a visit from us, our professional and insured TV and computer monitor removal team will come to your home or office, and we’ll call 15 to 30 minutes before we arrive. Once there, we’ll give you a free estimate based on how much room your junk takes up in our truck.
You simply point, and we’ll load your old junk items – TVs and all – into our large junk removal trucks and haul them away – and all with no extra charges or hidden fees!
So, ready to get rid of your old TVs or computer equipment? It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.
Just make an appointment by booking online above or give us a call at 1.888.888.JUNK (5865).
