TVs, monitors and household appliances all need recycling in Massachusetts, not the trash. Old picture-tube TVs and monitors have been banned from disposal since 2000, appliances since 1991, and flat screens contain mercury lamps that need special handling.
Key points
- Cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs and monitors have been banned from disposal since April 2000.
- Flat screens contain mercury-bearing lamps, so they can't be thrown out either.
- Appliances, called white goods, have been banned from disposal since 1991. Metal in general was added in 2006.
- Pick a recycler with a third-party certification such as R2 or e-Stewards.
- Many towns run e-waste drop-offs or take electronics at the transfer station.
What each item needs
| Item | Status | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Old picture-tube TV or monitor (CRT) | Banned from disposal since April 2000 | Recycle. Each contains leaded glass, on average about 4 pounds of lead. |
| Flat-screen TV or monitor | Can't be trashed: contains mercury lamps | Recycle or handle as universal or hazardous waste. |
| Washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator | White goods banned since 1991 | Recycle as scrap metal or ask your town about pickup. |
| Other metal items | Metal banned since 2006 | Scrap metal recycling. |
Why flat screens are different
The 2008 Mercury Management Act prohibits throwing away products that contain mercury. According to RecyclingWorks, flat-screen TVs and monitors use fluorescent lamps that contain mercury, so they must be recycled as universal waste or managed as hazardous waste. A newer TV isn't a free pass for the trash.
Choosing a recycler
Electronics recyclers take devices apart or shred them, then recover plastic, metal, glass and precious metals like gold, silver and palladium. RecyclingWorks recommends checking that a recycler holds a third-party certification, either R2 (Responsible Recycling Practices) or e-Stewards, plus ISO 14001 for environmental management. Ask for it before you hand anything over, especially if a device holds personal data.
In Massachusetts, electronics recycling is mostly organized at the local level. Many towns hold e-waste drop-off days or take electronics at the transfer station, and the state's Beyond the Bin tool lists options by town. Check with yours first.
When it's part of a bigger job
A dead TV and a stove are exactly the kind of items that slow down a garage or basement cleanout. Our junk removal and hauling page explains how that kind of job works, our junk removal on Cape Cod page has the quote form, and estate cleanouts covers full-house clearing. For a quote, start here or call (508) 400-5788.
Mattresses have their own rules. See how to get rid of a mattress in Massachusetts.
Common questions
Can I put a flat-screen TV in the trash in Massachusetts?
No. Flat screens contain fluorescent lamps with mercury, and Massachusetts prohibits disposing of mercury-containing products. Recycle it.
Why are old TVs banned from the trash?
CRT TVs and monitors use leaded glass and contain about 4 pounds of lead on average, according to RecyclingWorks. They have been banned from disposal since April 2000.
Can I throw out a washing machine?
No. Appliances, called white goods, have been banned from disposal since 1991. Recycle them as scrap metal or ask your town about pickup.
How do I know a recycler is legitimate?
Ask whether it is certified to R2 or e-Stewards, and ISO 14001. RecyclingWorks recommends checking before you choose one.
Planning a move or a cleanout?
Sources
- RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts, Recycle electronics, retrieved 2026-09-25, https://recyclingworksma.com/how-to/materials-guidance/recycle-electronics/
- Cornell Legal Information Institute, 310 CMR 19.017: Waste Bans, retrieved 2026-09-25, https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/massachusetts/310-CMR-19-017
- MassDEP (mass.gov), Massachusetts waste disposal bans, retrieved 2026-09-25, https://www.mass.gov/guides/massdep-waste-disposal-bans
General information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm details with the agency linked above.