What to Do with That Old CRT TV or Monitor

I made a discovery a while back that I would like to share.  Several months ago I found myself with an old standard-definition TV and a non-functioning computer monitor, both CRTs (cathode-ray tubes).  Someone pointed out to me that Best Buy would dispose of them essentially for free.  I say "essentially" because, for each CRT device they take off your hands to dispose of responsibly, they do charge $10 - but then they give you a $10 Best Buy gift card. So you get rid of your old stuff, and have a built-in excuse to go shopping at Best Buy again. "Winning!"


They will take all old electronics, and they only charge for CRTs, so you can dump your old computers, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, etc.  Do the right thing when it's time to retire that old electronic gear, and take it to Best Buy or another place that will dispose of it responsibly.


Office Depot offers a similar service, selling "Tech Recycling Boxes" for $5 to $15 at participating stores. You can fill the boxes with as many used consumer electronics (cell phones/PDAs, computers, televisions, etc.) as will fit, and then drop off the boxes at any Office Depot store to be recycled.


Here is a great page from the EPA with lots of tips on responsibly recycling electronics.  Closer to home, there is a targeted recycling program for old TVs at the Benning Road and Fort Totten transfer stations on Saturdays. There is apparently more info on the Department of Public Works website, including drop-off hours, and they will also take refrigerators and other appliances at both sites.  Good luck with the District's website, however:  I'm not having much luck with navigating it or using the search function....

UPDATE:  Thanks to Ken Hanada for pointing me in the right direction re: the DC DPW website - click here!