Television salvage/recycling

[Two Cents Worth]

I have called and there is no television recycling acceptance where I live so my set that died will be going to the landfill.

Anything salvageable besides the cord for a very lightweight extension cord, the speaker, an RF connector, and a few screws?

Expect I'll take it apart to a point. Just as easy to haul parts in a barrel as it is to haul an assembled unit.

[clovis]

I've read threads on other forums about scrapping TVs and monitors, but I've never done it.

There is some copper inside, IIRC. You won't get rich pulling it, even though some say it is worth scrapping TVs if you have enough of them.

There might be some YouTube videos about scrapping TVs.

[Ray]

if its and old style watch out for the high voltage power supply, it has a capacitor storage and can kill under the right conditions, so discharge it with insulated wire to ground before grabbing the connections, a charge can stay in it for years, best wishes, ray

[Two Cents Worth]

Thanks Ray, I wouldn't have thought about that although I have known about it in the past, and yes, it is an old style (17 years old).

Thanks clovis I have been gathering up scrap to haul in to the buyer so it will be easy to add another small amount. I hadn't thought about the possibility of there being a YouTube video on the subject, but in fact did find one and viewed it. Makes me wonder now if I should bother to disassemble. Dab of aluminum from the heat sinks but doesn't look like much else really.

[Old Vet]

You may have to pay to go to a landfill. In Arkansas you must pay $15 for each TV or electric appliance that has some chemical in it.TV microwave and the like.

[clovis]

Originally Posted by Ray

if its and old style watch out for the high voltage power supply, it has a capacitor storage and can kill under the right conditions, so discharge it with insulated wire to ground before grabbing the connections, a charge can stay in it for years, best wishes, ray

Ray, thank you for sharing this.

My dad always told me growing up "don't ever try to repair a TV because they have a powerful capacitor that can kill you."

When did manufacturers stop using the high voltage capacitors?

Thank you for the clarification.

[plowjockey]

Originally Posted by clovis

Ray, thank you for sharing this.

My dad always told me growing up "don't ever try to repair a TV because they have a powerful capacitor that can kill you."

When did manufacturers stop using the high voltage capacitors?

Thank you for the clarification.

FWIW, televisions could never "kill" anyone with "high" voltage. Voltage does not kill anyway. It is amperage that kills, anything over 1 amp can do it.

They refer to the "flyback transformer" voltage, which AC is converted to high voltage DC (50kv or so), but the amperage is very low (less than 30 mA, too low to cause electrocution. It is stored in a capacitor and can cause you to jerk and maybe get muscle damage, but it is not deadly.

I have been bit several times, years ago, working on CRTs. removing the tubes. A attention getter for sure, but not much worse than todays electric fence chargers.

Now the 120v input surely can kill, but only when power is supplied.

Since the CRT is gone, all of this type of circuitry is gone also.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyback_transformer

[zant]

The proper disposal of a tv/monitor consists of a 8x10 tarp.put offender on top of a milk crate in center of tarp.......put at least 100yds away-300 is better-aim,squeeeeeeeze trigger.Shoot until no fun anymore,put in large garb bag and leave at dump.....That's how we do it in Dixie

[Ray]

Sorry for some that think TV high voltage or low voltage capacitors for that mater can't kill even tho relatively low amps, THEY CAN, I've never been a electronics tech yet I've stayed in touch doing lots of personal projects, including keeping up with electronics eng. monthly. and I know for a fact they can and do kill. not that you wont take my word for it or anyones for that mater but I've seen stuff you wouldn't believe while working inside mobile computer command units for the US, working with United Nations. equipment that is low voltage low amperage melting down entire magnesium cabinets, that could easily kill a man, and these were lower amps that an OLD style TV. here I paste another statement "(From: Edwin Winet (ewinet@softwareresearch.org).)

Some of us work in areas where capacitors are huge, unusual or sometimes both. Many people believe that only "big" capacitors can kill you, knock you across the room, blow a hole in you, or get your attention. Here are a couple of comments:

When a capacitor is safely discharged, do not stop there. Some capacitors, due to their ability to leak---are "dead" after being safely discharged with a "bleeder resistor" of the right value for the job. Using a resistor that is under-rated - wattage-wise - can result in the bleeder going open circuit DURING a discharge sequence LEAVING some energy! High voltage capacitors, or worse yet, high energy-high voltage capacitors require correct wattage AND correct resistance to be bled safely. Also, high microfarad low voltage capacitors can vaporize a screwdriver and spray metal in your eyes. (Adequate voltage margin is also essential for resistors used in high voltage circuits. --- Sam.)

Certain types of capacitors are made of VERY good materials, which can hold a charge for YEARS! Putting away charged capacitors of this type is an invitation to disaster!

Low inductance capacitors that are used in energy pulse circuitry, many times are of the oil-filled high energy/high voltage type. This type can give a MOST un-pleasant surprise AFTER it has been completely drained by a safe bleeding technique. After the capacitor has been bled, IMMEDIATELY short it, from terminal to terminal AND to the external metal can (if applicable)!!! These capacitors RE-charge from their internal fluid and can STILL deliver a lethal, as they "recover" a certain amount of energy! this type of capacitor, or any capacitor of any high (enough) energy value MUST be LEFT shorted.

Be particularly leery of any capacitor with a broken off lead that is sitting in a drawer! Sometimes, these units break off during testing and don't get thrown out - but remain charged - to kill or shock years later.

Lastly, the word "electrocution" is used in many high voltage device writings. That's bad, because it was only intended for the "electric chair", short for electro + execution."
So you do not have to take my word for it or even take any precautions if thats what you want but just remember TOLD YOU SO, I've also herd 12 volt DC isn't dangerous yet I've seen two horses killed stepping off a horse trailer when the 12 volt wiring was shorted and it killed both horses, may be a rare thing but it only take once when its you, these are not just opinions, just check for yourself. best wishes, ray

[tinknal]

Ray, are there any indications that a layman could watch for to determine if a set would have such a capacitor?

[Ray]

Hey tinknal, I,ve nearly bit my tongue off before, and burnt the end off screwdrivers, trying to be careful myself. These things are made so many different ways since I was messing with them. I've got my last high voltage power supply from an old 2000 watt microwave to make a gold colloid. I really can't tell you without being there, and the new flat screens may not even have the same type HV units, I don't expect that they would. The ones I used to get were from the high voltage power supply and energized the whole back of the color tube, so even touching the back of the tube could shock you alone. I expect you could do a couple online searches to discharge the type TV you have, and you ought to be able to find some instructions on your model somewhere, with a little work searching. the how toos and youtube sights. but once you discharge it, just short it out so it can't recharge on you or you might get it later when you pick it up again they can recharge some by themselves. best wishes, ray

[Countrybumpkin]

I scrap TVs all the time. On the older ones, especially, there is a lot of copper, especially on the yoke of the picture tube. Aluminum heat sinks, lots of covered copper wire (which one can sell also) smash the tube, and there is metal inside that. A little work, yes, but with copper at $3.40/#, a little work can bring some major bucks.

[Beeman]

We have a Goodwill site that accepts computers and TV's. Many areas have a weekend where they accept stuff like this and chemicals,paint,etc. Check with your county waste management or extension service.

[blufford]

As a child I found that the hollowed out frame of a large TV made a great stage for a hand puppet performance such as one that the Little Rascals would put on for the neighborhood kids.

[Two Cents Worth]

Originally Posted by Beeman

Check with your county waste management or extension service.

I did check with the local landfill about area recycling on the television. They only knew of two placed that take electronics at all. I learned one only takes computers, and the other was not taking any at this time.

We do have once a year collection event for electronics, but I simply don't have room to store it for 51 weeks or whenever the next event might be. It has to go before there will be room for a new set.

Appreciate all of the information and thoughts. This is a 17 year old CRT unit so I'll be careful and salvage what I can. Don't plan on breaking the picture tube however for the scrap in it.

I do have some other electronic items that don't take up as much room and will be stored until the electronics collection truck comes to town.

[tom j]

LOOK OUT ,, don't know if yours does or not but some TVS and things hold a charge ,, so when you touch the right thing and you get knocked on your butt , some can and do kill

[clovis]

Very interesting thread. I've learned a few things.

[beowoulf90]

Originally Posted by Two Cents Worth

I have called and there is no television recycling acceptance where I live so my set that died will be going to the landfill.

Anything salvageable besides the cord for a very lightweight extension cord, the speaker, an RF connector, and a few screws?

Expect I'll take it apart to a point. Just as easy to haul parts in a barrel as it is to haul an assembled unit.

Ok, I didn't read all the posts so I don't' know what others told you..

So here it goes.. Remove the screws that hold the back cover.

You will see on the back of the picture tube a large contraption. Gently remove it from the back of the picture tube. Being careful not to break the tube. You may have to cut loose any wires holding it in place.

Once removed you will see there is about 2-3 lbs of copper in that contraption.

You will also see a item around the picture tube that is wrapper in black tape.
This is also copper normally, but may be aluminum.

You can also remove the circuit board and recycle it once you remove any copper and aluminum.

Once you have all the components you want to salvage/recycle/scrap removed, screw the back cover back on and trash the picture tube and plastics..

I normally get an average of about 4 lbs copper from a tv/monitor. I also get aluminum heat sinks and copper from the circuit boards. Plus the circuit board.

So in today's numbers that equals approx.

4 lbs at $2.70 (conservative price for number 2 copper) = $10.80
1 lbs at $3.00 (approx price of number 1 copper) = $3.00
Misc aluminum, = $.50
Circuit boards at $.10 (conservative price for non-computer circuit boards) = $.20

So a rough estimate not counting any tin/steel is about $14.50 worth of scrap in a tv/monitor..

This of course changes with pricing of the metals recovered..

It also doesn't take into account any costs associated with disposing of the picture tube and plastics..

I haul my own trash so my costs are about $56 a ton, plus my time. So my trash costs are minimal..

[clovis]

beowoulf90-

How long does it take you to scrap a TV?

I wish that you lived closer. I see lots of TVs at auction for $1 each, or for free.

[beowoulf90]

Originally Posted by clovis

beowoulf90-

How long does it take you to scrap a TV?

I wish that you lived closer. I see lots of TVs at auction for $1 each, or for free.

Roughly 5 minutes to get the components/scrap out of the TV. Then to break down those pieces depends on what I'm doing. A lot of time I put them aside for a rainy day when I can't work outside..