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?⌄
Where do I take a CRT tube television in Chattanooga?⌄
Can I put old electronics in the regular trash?⌄
Does the city HHW facility take electronics?⌄
Can a junk removal pro take my electronics?⌄
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.