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, 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.