Is your old TV collecting dust? Here’s why recycling it could make a world of difference!
Did you know that millions of TVs are discarded each year, many barely a few years old? As new models keep coming out, people are upgrading more often, making older TVs pile up faster than ever. But when it comes to TV recycling, there's a right way to handle things.
Whether you’ve got a flat-screen that’s past its prime or an old tube TV gathering dust in the garage, recycling your TV properly can make a real difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of TV recycling, how to find the best recycling options, and why it’s so important for the environment. Let’s dive in and see how you can recycle your old TVs responsibly.
Understanding TV Recycling: Different Methods for Each Type
Not all TVs are the same when it comes to recycling. Depending on the technology, TVs have unique components and environmental risks, so it’s important to know the proper way to recycle each type.
Here’s a breakdown of the main TV types and the best ways to recycle them.
How to Safely Recycle CRT TVs (Cathode Ray Tube TVs)
CRT TVs, or “Dinosaur” TVs, contain bulky vacuum glass tubes that project images using negatively charged electrons. These older TVs, known for their heavy weight and boxy shape, can contain up to 8 pounds of lead and toxic substances like mercury, cadmium, and barium.
Proper CRT recycling is essential because these materials are hazardous if they end up in landfills. Recycling centers specialized in electronic waste can safely dismantle CRT TVs, extracting and processing the harmful materials to prevent environmental contamination.
Popular in the late '90s and early 2000s, projection TVs were much lighter than CRTs, often featuring advanced laser technology. However, many models contain mercury lamps, which can cause environmental harm if they burst in landfills.
When recycling a projection TV, ensure it’s handled by a certified electronic waste recycler. These recyclers have processes to safely remove and recycle the mercury lamps, keeping them out of the waste stream and protecting the environment.
Disposing of Plasma TVs Safely
The first widely popular flat screens, Plasma TVs became common in the mid-2000s. They may resemble LED or LCD screens, but they contain distinct, hazardous materials like mercury, phosphor, and, to a lesser extent, metals such as barium, beryllium, and cadmium.
Recycling plasma TVs properly ensures these toxic substances don’t harm ecosystems. Look for specialized e-waste centers with experience in handling these older flat screens, as they can safely manage the complex materials.
Recycling LED and LCD TVs: What You Need to Know
LED and LCD TVs are the latest technology in flat screens and are more energy-efficient with fewer harmful materials. However, the surge in popularity means more of these TVs are ending up in landfills, where they don’t break down.
Many manufacturers now use recycled materials and have take-back programs to reduce waste. Check if your LED or LCD TV’s manufacturer offers a recycling program, or locate an e-waste recycling center near you to dispose of it responsibly.
6 Ways to Responsibly Dispose of an Old TV
If you’re looking to recycle a broken or outdated TV, here are six responsible options to consider.
1. Visit an E-Waste Recycling Center
A certified e-waste recycling center is one of the most eco-friendly ways to dispose of old TVs. Certified centers follow responsible recycling processes, ensuring all valuable materials are salvaged without harming the environment. Televisions contain materials like gold, silver, and copper, but without certified recycling, harmful parts could end up polluting landfills.
To find a nearby certified e-waste center, check with local electronics recycling programs or use GreenCitizen’s Green Directory.
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, GreenCitizen offers free recycling for all TVs, regardless of the brand. Our specialized recycling team ensures that every part of your old television is handled safely and responsibly.
For those outside the Bay Area, our Green Directory provides an easy way to locate certified TV recycling options near you. Just enter your zip code on our website, and we’ll direct you to the closest recycling businesses for TVs and other electronics.
Public and regulatory pressure has resulted in the majority of manufacturers introducing an electronics recycling program.
Here are the recycling options for the four most popular brands.
LG
All products under the LG brand are now accepted at designated drop-off sites. The process is simple and starts by entering your zip code in the search field on this site. You’ll get a map view of all the places that will recycle LG televisions and monitors near you.
LG also offers a mail-in service, which is available from the same site.
Samsung is another manufacturer that has partnered with multiple recycling networks in the USA, and they have a dedicated webpage to help you locate a green TV disposal location.
They will take back all types of consumer electronics, phones, and even home appliances.
Sony
Sony has partnered with a company called ERI to make it easy for you to recycle an old or broken television. Use the search feature on this site to find the closest locations. And if there are no services close by, then Sony also offers a free mail-in program.
TCL
TCL recently won a sustainability reward for its dedication to becoming a greener and responsible electronics manufacturer. The easiest way to find a TCL electronics recycling location is to visit this page and use the map function.
3. Best Buy Electronics Recycling Program
Best Buy has become one of the most convenient recycling options in America, and the main reason is that people find it easy to drop off an old television at the same time as they go shopping for a new one.
What’s also popular about the Best Buy electronics recycling program is the fact that every household can drop off up to three items per day. So if you find a TV or two buried under stuff in your basement and also want to get rid of some household electronics, then this might be quite a convenient disposal option if you’re heading to your closest Best Buy for a new television anyway.
4. Municipal Electronics Recycling Center
Your local landfill and council-operated recycling center is another great option for safe TV disposal. Most of these places have significantly expanded their capabilities for processing electronic waste, but it’s always best to call them first.
The downside is that they might not be the closest place, and some of the recycling options aren’t free of charge.
5. Consider Donating To A Good Cause
This should be one of the top recycling options for most people who want to get rid of a perfectly working television.
But you have to keep in mind that a modern smart TV can have some sensitive information on it. It could have details about your Netflix and Amazon Prime login details. And if you’ve looked at some vacation or family event photos and videos, then those could also be stored on the TV.
Before donating or selling your TV, it’s always best to check the instructions about how to erase all data on the TV.
Most charitable organizations will accept televisions with some limitations. You could ring any local charity or contact one of these three options.
Goodwill
Goodwill has a long list of things they accept, and that includes flat-panel TVs. They won’t accept CRTs, though, so keep that in mind. It’s also best to call your local Goodwill store to make sure they are accepting TVs because sometimes they might have too many in stock.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army accepts most home electronic devices on a drop-off basis. You can find details of exactly what they accept, along with valuations for tax purposes, here.
Donation Town
And finally, you can use Donation Town to find a charity that you’d like to support. Simply use the search function on the site and arrange for a free pick-up at your home.
6. Sell Your Old TV
The final one of our recycling options is to see if you can still get some money for your TV. A great idea is to post it for sale on Craig’s List, Facebook, or your local newspaper.
You could even share a post with your friends on Facebook to see if anyone would be interested in buying it.
There might not be much money in it, but it could be enough to spend a bit extra on your new television.
Recycling a TV isn’t just about clearing space; it’s about protecting the environment and human health. Here are four key reasons to recycle your old television responsibly.
1. TVs Contain Harmful Chemicals
Even modern TVs contain toxic substances like lead, cadmium, mercury, and barium. These chemicals are safely contained when the TV is in use, but once in a landfill, they can leak into the soil and water, harming the environment. Certified recycling ensures these toxins are safely handled and kept out of our ecosystems.
2. TVs Are Full of Valuable Materials
Inside TVs are small amounts of valuable metals like copper, gold, and silver. While each TV contains only a tiny quantity, collectively, they add up to significant amounts. Certified recyclers carefully recover these materials, making sure the rest of the device is responsibly disposed of—unlike some facilities that only strip valuable parts and dump the rest.
3. Avoiding Landfill Disposal Reduces Waste
Unfortunately, most TVs still end up in landfills. In 2019, the U.S. produced nearly 7 million tons of e-waste, but only 15% was properly recycled. That’s a huge amount of waste that could have been salvaged for materials or safely processed. By recycling your TV, you help reduce this massive e-waste problem.
4. Recycling Reduces the Need for Raw Materials
TVs require significant amounts of plastic, metal, and chemicals, which often come from environmentally destructive mining. Recycling your old TV allows manufacturers to reuse these materials, reducing the demand for new raw materials and preserving natural resources for the future.
While only 15% of e-waste ends up being recycled, the rest unfortunately goes to landfills—despite efforts from many states to introduce e-waste recycling laws.
The Challenge with E-Waste Legislation
Although most states have passed some form of e-waste legislation, these laws don’t always make it illegal to dispose of TVs in landfills. Instead, they often require manufacturers and electronics retailers to offer convenient recycling services. However, these regulations don’t guarantee that individuals or businesses will choose recycling over disposal.
States Without E-Waste Recycling Laws
Currently, 22 states lack any e-waste recycling legislation: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
For residents in these states, it’s especially important to find certified recycling centers to prevent TVs from ending up in landfills and contributing to environmental damage.
By now, you’ve seen just how crucial it is to recycle TVs and other electronics responsibly. TVs contain harmful materials that, if not disposed of properly, can seriously harm our environment. Let’s make recycling a priority.
If you’re ready to recycle, GreenCitizen can help! Visit our Bay Area facility to safely dispose of your old TV, or use our Green Directory to find certified recycling centers near you. Together, we can keep electronic waste out of landfills and give new life to valuable materials.
Take the first step—explore our recycling services today and make a positive impact!
Chris is one of GreenCitizen’s writers who has been a long-time advocate of individual responsibility when it comes to the environment. He shares GreenCitizen's passion for making the world a better place every day of the year.
Circular Economy
TV Recycling: Find All The Eco-Friendly Recycling Options
Written by : Chris Bolt, Updated by: Samira Tasneem | Published: October 30, 2024
Contents
Is your old TV collecting dust? Here’s why recycling it could make a world of difference!
Did you know that millions of TVs are discarded each year, many barely a few years old? As new models keep coming out, people are upgrading more often, making older TVs pile up faster than ever. But when it comes to TV recycling, there's a right way to handle things.
Whether you’ve got a flat-screen that’s past its prime or an old tube TV gathering dust in the garage, recycling your TV properly can make a real difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of TV recycling, how to find the best recycling options, and why it’s so important for the environment. Let’s dive in and see how you can recycle your old TVs responsibly.
Understanding TV Recycling: Different Methods for Each Type
Not all TVs are the same when it comes to recycling. Depending on the technology, TVs have unique components and environmental risks, so it’s important to know the proper way to recycle each type.
Here’s a breakdown of the main TV types and the best ways to recycle them.
How to Safely Recycle CRT TVs (Cathode Ray Tube TVs)
CRT TVs, or “Dinosaur” TVs, contain bulky vacuum glass tubes that project images using negatively charged electrons. These older TVs, known for their heavy weight and boxy shape, can contain up to 8 pounds of lead and toxic substances like mercury, cadmium, and barium.
Proper CRT recycling is essential because these materials are hazardous if they end up in landfills. Recycling centers specialized in electronic waste can safely dismantle CRT TVs, extracting and processing the harmful materials to prevent environmental contamination.
Read More:
Tube TV Disposal: How To Dispose of and Recycle Your CRT TV?
Recycling Projection TVs
Popular in the late '90s and early 2000s, projection TVs were much lighter than CRTs, often featuring advanced laser technology. However, many models contain mercury lamps, which can cause environmental harm if they burst in landfills.
When recycling a projection TV, ensure it’s handled by a certified electronic waste recycler. These recyclers have processes to safely remove and recycle the mercury lamps, keeping them out of the waste stream and protecting the environment.
Disposing of Plasma TVs Safely
The first widely popular flat screens, Plasma TVs became common in the mid-2000s. They may resemble LED or LCD screens, but they contain distinct, hazardous materials like mercury, phosphor, and, to a lesser extent, metals such as barium, beryllium, and cadmium.
Recycling plasma TVs properly ensures these toxic substances don’t harm ecosystems. Look for specialized e-waste centers with experience in handling these older flat screens, as they can safely manage the complex materials.
Recycling LED and LCD TVs: What You Need to Know
LED and LCD TVs are the latest technology in flat screens and are more energy-efficient with fewer harmful materials. However, the surge in popularity means more of these TVs are ending up in landfills, where they don’t break down.
Many manufacturers now use recycled materials and have take-back programs to reduce waste. Check if your LED or LCD TV’s manufacturer offers a recycling program, or locate an e-waste recycling center near you to dispose of it responsibly.
6 Ways to Responsibly Dispose of an Old TV
If you’re looking to recycle a broken or outdated TV, here are six responsible options to consider.
1. Visit an E-Waste Recycling Center
A certified e-waste recycling center is one of the most eco-friendly ways to dispose of old TVs. Certified centers follow responsible recycling processes, ensuring all valuable materials are salvaged without harming the environment. Televisions contain materials like gold, silver, and copper, but without certified recycling, harmful parts could end up polluting landfills.
To find a nearby certified e-waste center, check with local electronics recycling programs or use GreenCitizen’s Green Directory.
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, GreenCitizen offers free recycling for all TVs, regardless of the brand. Our specialized recycling team ensures that every part of your old television is handled safely and responsibly.
For those outside the Bay Area, our Green Directory provides an easy way to locate certified TV recycling options near you. Just enter your zip code on our website, and we’ll direct you to the closest recycling businesses for TVs and other electronics.
Read More:
How To Recycle Old Computer within Hours!
2. Manufacturers’ Recycling Programs
Public and regulatory pressure has resulted in the majority of manufacturers introducing an electronics recycling program.
Here are the recycling options for the four most popular brands.
LG
All products under the LG brand are now accepted at designated drop-off sites. The process is simple and starts by entering your zip code in the search field on this site. You’ll get a map view of all the places that will recycle LG televisions and monitors near you.
LG also offers a mail-in service, which is available from the same site.
Read More:
LG Electronics Leads the Way in Responsible Recycling
Samsung
Samsung is another manufacturer that has partnered with multiple recycling networks in the USA, and they have a dedicated webpage to help you locate a green TV disposal location.
They will take back all types of consumer electronics, phones, and even home appliances.
Sony
Sony has partnered with a company called ERI to make it easy for you to recycle an old or broken television. Use the search feature on this site to find the closest locations. And if there are no services close by, then Sony also offers a free mail-in program.
TCL
TCL recently won a sustainability reward for its dedication to becoming a greener and responsible electronics manufacturer. The easiest way to find a TCL electronics recycling location is to visit this page and use the map function.
3. Best Buy Electronics Recycling Program
Best Buy has become one of the most convenient recycling options in America, and the main reason is that people find it easy to drop off an old television at the same time as they go shopping for a new one.
What’s also popular about the Best Buy electronics recycling program is the fact that every household can drop off up to three items per day. So if you find a TV or two buried under stuff in your basement and also want to get rid of some household electronics, then this might be quite a convenient disposal option if you’re heading to your closest Best Buy for a new television anyway.
4. Municipal Electronics Recycling Center
Your local landfill and council-operated recycling center is another great option for safe TV disposal. Most of these places have significantly expanded their capabilities for processing electronic waste, but it’s always best to call them first.
The downside is that they might not be the closest place, and some of the recycling options aren’t free of charge.
5. Consider Donating To A Good Cause
This should be one of the top recycling options for most people who want to get rid of a perfectly working television.
But you have to keep in mind that a modern smart TV can have some sensitive information on it. It could have details about your Netflix and Amazon Prime login details. And if you’ve looked at some vacation or family event photos and videos, then those could also be stored on the TV.
Before donating or selling your TV, it’s always best to check the instructions about how to erase all data on the TV.
Most charitable organizations will accept televisions with some limitations. You could ring any local charity or contact one of these three options.
Goodwill
Goodwill has a long list of things they accept, and that includes flat-panel TVs. They won’t accept CRTs, though, so keep that in mind. It’s also best to call your local Goodwill store to make sure they are accepting TVs because sometimes they might have too many in stock.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army accepts most home electronic devices on a drop-off basis. You can find details of exactly what they accept, along with valuations for tax purposes, here.
Donation Town
And finally, you can use Donation Town to find a charity that you’d like to support. Simply use the search function on the site and arrange for a free pick-up at your home.
6. Sell Your Old TV
The final one of our recycling options is to see if you can still get some money for your TV. A great idea is to post it for sale on Craig’s List, Facebook, or your local newspaper.
You could even share a post with your friends on Facebook to see if anyone would be interested in buying it.
There might not be much money in it, but it could be enough to spend a bit extra on your new television.
Read More:
The Definitive Guide to Laptop Recycling
Why You Should Recycle Your Old TV
Recycling a TV isn’t just about clearing space; it’s about protecting the environment and human health. Here are four key reasons to recycle your old television responsibly.
1. TVs Contain Harmful Chemicals
Even modern TVs contain toxic substances like lead, cadmium, mercury, and barium. These chemicals are safely contained when the TV is in use, but once in a landfill, they can leak into the soil and water, harming the environment. Certified recycling ensures these toxins are safely handled and kept out of our ecosystems.
2. TVs Are Full of Valuable Materials
Inside TVs are small amounts of valuable metals like copper, gold, and silver. While each TV contains only a tiny quantity, collectively, they add up to significant amounts. Certified recyclers carefully recover these materials, making sure the rest of the device is responsibly disposed of—unlike some facilities that only strip valuable parts and dump the rest.
3. Avoiding Landfill Disposal Reduces Waste
Unfortunately, most TVs still end up in landfills. In 2019, the U.S. produced nearly 7 million tons of e-waste, but only 15% was properly recycled. That’s a huge amount of waste that could have been salvaged for materials or safely processed. By recycling your TV, you help reduce this massive e-waste problem.
4. Recycling Reduces the Need for Raw Materials
TVs require significant amounts of plastic, metal, and chemicals, which often come from environmentally destructive mining. Recycling your old TV allows manufacturers to reuse these materials, reducing the demand for new raw materials and preserving natural resources for the future.
Read More:
How Are CRT Monitors Recycled?
Is It Legal to Dispose of Your TV in a Landfill?
While only 15% of e-waste ends up being recycled, the rest unfortunately goes to landfills—despite efforts from many states to introduce e-waste recycling laws.
The Challenge with E-Waste Legislation
Although most states have passed some form of e-waste legislation, these laws don’t always make it illegal to dispose of TVs in landfills. Instead, they often require manufacturers and electronics retailers to offer convenient recycling services. However, these regulations don’t guarantee that individuals or businesses will choose recycling over disposal.
States Without E-Waste Recycling Laws
Currently, 22 states lack any e-waste recycling legislation: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
For residents in these states, it’s especially important to find certified recycling centers to prevent TVs from ending up in landfills and contributing to environmental damage.
Read More:
SB 20: Understanding California E-Waste Recycling Law
FAQ
Where Can I Take an Old TV for Recycling?
You can recycle an old TV at GreenCitizen’s Bay Area facility. For other locations, use our Green Directory to find nearby recycling providers.
Does Staples Take Old TVs for Recycling?
No, Staples doesn’t recycle old TVs. As an alternative, you can drop off old electronics, including TVs, at Best Buy locations.
Does Best Buy Take Old TVs for Free?
Yes, Best Buy accepts old TVs for free. This is especially convenient if you’re buying a new TV, saving you an extra trip.
Can I Recycle My TV at Walmart?
Walmart accepts TVs for recycling, but this service is only free if you purchase a new device at the same time.
How Can I Get Rid of My Old TV for Free?
You can dispose of your old flat-screen TV for free at a certified recycling provider. Note that older CRT TVs may require a small fee for recycling.
Are Old TVs Worth Anything?
Some old TVs may have minimal resale value, depending on their age and condition. Alternatively, donating to charity can be a more rewarding option.
What Can You Do with Old TV Remotes?
Old TV remotes can be recycled with your TV at most e-waste centers, where they will be either reused or responsibly recycled.
Are TV Remotes Considered E-Waste?
Yes, TV remotes are e-waste. Like TVs, they contain metals and potentially harmful substances, so proper disposal is essential.
Read More:
How to Recycle Computer Monitors?
Ready to Recycle Your TV Responsibly?
By now, you’ve seen just how crucial it is to recycle TVs and other electronics responsibly. TVs contain harmful materials that, if not disposed of properly, can seriously harm our environment. Let’s make recycling a priority.
If you’re ready to recycle, GreenCitizen can help! Visit our Bay Area facility to safely dispose of your old TV, or use our Green Directory to find certified recycling centers near you. Together, we can keep electronic waste out of landfills and give new life to valuable materials.
Take the first step—explore our recycling services today and make a positive impact!
Chris Bolt
Chris is one of GreenCitizen’s writers who has been a long-time advocate of individual responsibility when it comes to the environment. He shares GreenCitizen's passion for making the world a better place every day of the year.
Quick Links
Green Living Guides
Green Jobs
Inspiring Green News
Green Directory
Green Store
Electronics Recycling
Category: Circular Economy, Environment, Green Blog