Resource Guide

Electronics and E-Waste Disposal in Chattanooga, TN

Hamilton County recycling centers accept computers but refuse TVs, microwaves, and all appliances. Here is where each item can legally go.

What Hamilton County Recycling Centers Accept

All Hamilton County recycling centers accept the following electronics:

Computers and computer components
Rechargeable batteries

The same centers do not accept:

Televisions (any type)
Microwaves
Air conditioners
Any appliances

This means a laptop goes to the recycling center without issue, but a flat-screen TV from the same household is refused at every Hamilton County location.

The Chattanooga Household Hazardous Waste Facility

The city operates a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) facility with limited electronics acceptance:

Address: 4063 North Hawthorne Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Accepts: Computer-related electronics
Does not accept: Non-computer electronics, including flat-screen televisions and appliances

Even the HHW facility draws the line at televisions. A flat-screen TV is refused here just as it is at the recycling centers.

CRT Televisions (Old Tube TVs)

CRT televisions present the hardest disposal challenge in Chattanooga. They are refused by:

All Hamilton County recycling centers
The city HHW facility
All charitable organizations, including the Samaritan Center

CRTs require specialty e-waste routing to licensed recyclers who can handle the lead and other hazardous materials inside the tube. Private haulers who transport CRTs to these recyclers typically impose a surcharge on top of the standard job price. They cannot go in regular trash.

Practical Routing Guide

Item	Where to Take It
Laptop or desktop computer	Hamilton County recycling center
Rechargeable batteries	Hamilton County recycling center
Computer monitor (LCD)	Hamilton County recycling center
CRT tube television	Specialty e-waste recycler via private hauler -- surcharge applies
Flat-screen TV	Specialty e-waste recycler -- Hamilton County recycling centers and HHW facility both refuse
Microwave	Hamilton County recycling centers refuse -- private hauler required
Refrigerator	City refuse center (eligible residents only) or compliant transfer station with refrigerant evacuation
Window air conditioner	Requires refrigerant evacuation -- Hamilton County recycling centers refuse all appliances

Hamilton County Recycling Center Locations

Center	Address	Hours
Highway 58	5414 Hwy. 58, Chattanooga, TN 37416	Mon & Wed 9am-5pm, Sat 8am-4pm
Middle Valley (Hixson)	1868 Crabtree Road, Hixson, TN 37343	Mon & Wed 9am-5pm, Sat 8am-4pm
Red Bank	4857 Dayton Blvd., Red Bank, TN	Tue-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 8am-4pm
Standifer Gap	7625 Standifer Gap Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421	Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 8am-4pm
Sequoyah (Soddy-Daisy)	9525 Lovell Road, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379	Tue, Thu & Sat 8am-4pm

When to Use a Junk Removal Pro for Electronics

The DIY route works well for computers and batteries at the recycling centers. A private junk removal pro makes more sense when:

You have a TV, microwave, or other non-computer electronics that the centers refuse
You have multiple items spanning different categories and want a single pickup rather than multiple trips to different locations
You have a CRT television that requires specialty routing
You are a landlord clearing electronics left by tenants, since city services do not apply to rental properties

For more on disposing of appliances that require refrigerant handling, see our appliance removal guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Hamilton County recycling centers take my old TV?⌄

No. Televisions, microwaves, and all appliances are refused at Hamilton County recycling centers. Those centers only accept computers, computer components, and rechargeable batteries in the electronics category.

Where do I take a CRT tube television in Chattanooga?⌄

CRT TVs require specialty e-waste routing. Private junk removal pros can transport them to specialized e-waste recyclers, but a surcharge typically applies. No charitable organizations or standard recycling centers accept CRT televisions.

Can I put old electronics in the regular trash?⌄

This is not recommended and in some cases is not legal. Computers, batteries, and televisions contain materials that should be properly recycled. Use an appropriate recycling center, the HHW facility for computer electronics, or a private hauler for items the centers refuse.

Does the city HHW facility take electronics?⌄

The Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 4063 North Hawthorne Street accepts computer-related electronics only. Televisions and general appliances are refused even there.

Can a junk removal pro take my electronics?⌄

Yes. Pros handle e-waste routing including CRT TVs. Specialty items like CRT televisions incur surcharges because they must go to licensed e-waste recyclers. For mixed loads spanning multiple categories, a single pro pickup is often the most practical option.

Need Electronics or E-Waste Hauled Away?

If your electronics do not qualify for the recycling centers, a local pro can handle pickup and proper disposal. Free referral service, no obligation. Visit our contact page or submit below.