A vacuum tube is a bulb or tube that acts as a barrier to outside gases and contains a vacuum. Depending on the kind of tube, it can change or amplify electric currents that pass through it. Though less commonly used today, vacuum were used in everything from televisions and radios to amplifiers and hearing aids. Vacuum tubes contain harmful elements such as heavy metals in their filaments. Therefore, you cannot throw them into the garbage like normal household waste. Like most electronic waste, they require careful consideration. Warnings
