How to Dispose of a Flat Screen TV

Since televisions can't go in the trash or a landfill, you'll need to dispose of your flatscreen TV through one of several different recycling options. Many electronics manufacturers accept old televisions to be recycled, and some local waste and recycling centers will take your old TVs as well. If your flatscreen television still works, consider donating it to a local library or school, or dropping it off at a second-hand store.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Getting Rid of a Broken Flatscreen TV

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    Avoid putting your television in the garbage or landfill. Flatscreen TVs contain hazardous materials. Because of this, it’s unsafe for them to be thrown into the regular garbage or taken to a landfill in case they break open. Opt for a recycling option to keep yourself, others, and the environment safe.[1]
    • Many states, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island have made it illegal to put televisions in a landfill.
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    Visit your local recycling and waste website for a list of your options. Each state or county has different recycling rules and options when it comes to electronics such as a flatscreen TV. For example, some states offer curbside recycling services where they come pick up your television, while others offer a list of places you can bring your flatscreen to be recycled.[2]
    • Curbside recycling services may require a small fee to pick up your television.
    • Type your city or state into an online search bar and then “television recycling options.”
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    Drop off your flatscreen TV with certain electronics manufacturers. The Environmental Protection Agency has a useful list of companies that offer recycling services. Companies like Sony, Samsung, and Vizio let you bring your used televisions in to be dropped off, as well as host recycling events.[3]
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    Find out about local electronic drop-off events near you. Many cities have events at schools or businesses where you can bring your electronics, such as televisions, to be recycled. Do a quick online search to see if a drop-off event is happening soon near you.[4]
    • Type “electronic drop-off event near me” into an online search engine to find results.
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    Use a company's haul-away service to recycle your flatscreen. Companies like Best Buy will come pick up flatscreen televisions that are 50 in (130 cm) or smaller. Visit the Best Buy website to find the local number to call them, or look up other haul-away options near you.[5]
    • Best Buy has a $25 haul-away fee, or you can pay $19.99 for them to haul your television away if you’re replacing it with a new one.
    • Sony is another company that offers haul-away services for televisions.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Donating or Selling a Working TV

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    Restore your flatscreen TV back to its factory settings if possible. This is done to get rid of any personal information that may still be on your TV. Use the remote to navigate to the "Settings" option on your television to find the factory reset option.[6]
    • You'll only be able to reset your television to its original factory settings if it's still fully functional.
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    List your flatscreen television on Craigslist for free or for sale. Visit the Craigslist website and either list your TV for free, or try to sell it for a low price. List any flaws with the television so people know how well it works, as well as the area where it should be picked up.[7]
    • Take a picture of the flatscreen to go with your post so people know what it looks like.
    • Your ad might say, "Free 40 in (100 cm) flatscreen TV— it works perfectly but it's missing the remote. Message me if you're interested or have questions!"
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    Ask local schools or libraries if they’re in need of a television. Reach out to libraries and schools in your area to see if they could use a flatscreen TV if your television still works well. Bring the television to the school or library in need, delivering any important cords or remotes along with it.[8]
    • Call or email the schools and libraries to see if they’re interested in your television.
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    Donate the TV to a local nonprofit or second-hand store. Places like the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other stores that sell used items often accept flatscreen TVs. Bring your television in to a nonprofit or second-hand store near you to donate it.[9]
    • The nonprofit or store’s website should tell you whether or not they accept TVs, but if not, give them a call to find out.
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    Host a yard sale to get rid of your flatscreen TV. If you have other household items you’d like to get rid of that are also in good shape, consider planning a yard or garage sale. Put prices on your items and advertise the sale on social media or through local flyers. If you don’t want to sell the TV, placing a sign on it that says “Free” is a good way to encourage people to take it.[10]
    • Hang flyers for your yard sale around town in places like libraries or community centers to spread the word.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/14-things-it-s-illegal-to-throw-in-the-trash-51344#how-to-dispose-of-electronics
  2. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling#where
  3. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling#where
  4. ↑ https://www.boston.gov/recycling-household-electronics
  5. ↑ https://www.bestbuy.com/site/services/recycling/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025
  6. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling#where
  7. ↑ https://archive.triblive.com/business/local-stories/recycling-tvs-no-easy-task-in-pennsylvania/
  8. ↑ https://www.reviewed.com/televisions/features/dont-throw-your-old-tv-out-do-this-instead
  9. ↑ https://earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-large-electronics/
  1. ↑ https://www.reviewed.com/televisions/features/dont-throw-your-old-tv-out-do-this-instead

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 144,214 times.
32 votes - 45%
Co-authors: 2
Updated: November 1, 2019
Views: 144,214
Categories: Household Waste Disposal
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