What to Do With Old CRT TVs in Kansas City?
Where to recycle, donate, or dispose of old CRT tube TVs in Kansas City. The short answer: if it plugs into a wall or runs on a rechargeable battery, Computer Recycling LLC takes it free. That covers computers, laptops, TVs, monitors, phones, tablets, printers, servers, networking gear, cables and chargers. The exceptions are CRT tube TVs, plasma TVs, large household appliances and hazardous waste. Drop off at 125 E 10th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116, open Monday to Friday 8am–3pm and Saturday 8am–2pm — no appointment, and free for almost everything (your first 3 TVs are free, then $10 each). Businesses can schedule a pickup, and drives holding data can be wiped, shredded or drilled with a Certificate of Destruction.
- Free drop-off for everyone, no appointment
- Nothing landfilled — refurbished or recovered for materials
- Rated 4.9 from 290+ Google reviews
Free for businesses, on request. Certificates of Destruction and asset reports are free for companies and organizations — just ask at pickup or drop-off.
Got an old tube TV sitting in your basement? You’re not alone. Thousands of Kansas City households still have CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions taking up space. The frustrating part: most free electronics recyclers — including us — can’t take them. Here’s why, and what your actual options are.
Why Most Recyclers Can’t Accept CRT TVs
CRT televisions contain 4 to 8 pounds of lead embedded in the glass funnel and faceplate. Under EPA guidelines, this classifies them as hazardous material when disposed of. Processing CRT glass requires specialized downstream partners who can safely extract and handle the lead, and those partners are increasingly scarce and expensive.
That’s why most free recyclers — including Computer Recycling LLC — cannot accept CRT or tube TVs. It’s not a matter of willingness; the economics of safe, responsible CRT processing simply don’t work under a free recycling model.
Your Options in Kansas City
1. Kansas City Household Hazardous Waste Facility
The city operates a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off facility that accepts CRT TVs from Kansas City, MO residents at no charge. This is the most reliable free option. Check the KCMO Public Works website for current hours and any restrictions.
2. MRC Recycling
MRC Recycling at 2000 E 19th St, Kansas City, MO may accept CRT TVs, though fees typically apply. Call ahead to confirm pricing and availability.
3. Retailer Trade-In Events
Occasionally, retailers like Best Buy or Staples run electronics recycling events that accept CRTs. These are typically limited-time and may involve a fee. Check their websites for upcoming events in the Kansas City area.
4. What NOT to Do
Please don’t dump CRT TVs on the curb, in dumpsters, or in abandoned lots. The lead leaches into soil and groundwater. It’s a real environmental hazard, and illegal dumping can result in fines.
What We CAN Recycle for Free
While we can’t take CRT TVs, Computer Recycling LLC accepts virtually every other type of electronic device for free:
- LED and LCD flat-screen TVs (first 3 free, then $10 each)
- Computers, laptops, desktops
- Phones and tablets
- Printers, scanners, copiers
- Servers and networking equipment
- See the full list of items we accept
Drop off free, no appointment needed, at 125 E 10th Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116. Open Mon–Fri 8am–3pm, Sat 8am–2pm.
You can drop off up to 3 TVs free of charge. Beyond that, each additional TV is $10, any size — so five TVs costs $20, not $50. Computer monitors are always free, with no quantity limit.
Applies to walk-in drop-off. Business pickups and bulk loads are quoted separately — call (816) 295-2334.