Donate Old Televisions: Support Communities and Save the Planet

Finally, you are upgrading your old televisions to modern flat-screen TVs, but what about the previous ones? Should we just toss them into the trash or give them a second life by donating them to deserving or needy people? The answer is clear: choosing to donate old televisions will be beneficial for both you and the recipient.

Choose the most suitable path for your old televisions so that they don’t end up in landfills and cause harm to the environment. Especially the old CRT TVs that contain the most hazardous elements are a big threat to the environment.

Either you donate old TVs or recycle them; that determines your TV’s condition, so let’s start with how you can assess a TV’s functionality.

Evaluate the Television's Condition:

Most importantly, before disposing of old televisions, always check if they qualify for donation or if they should be recycled. Determine its functionality levels, such as

●      Fully operational TVs: The TVs turn on quickly, have intact screens, and come with additional accessories such as a remote control or wires. They qualify for donation, and many donation charities and organizations accept such TVs.

●      TVs with minor issues: These TVs have irregular audio systems and minor scratches or damage to the screen and overall body but are still in working condition. Such TVs are also acceptable at many organizations but are used after refurbishment. So no matter how old your TV is, if it still works, it always brings joy to someone’s house.

●      Non-functional TVs: If the TVs have irreparable damage, they don’t qualify for donation and definitely should not be thrown in the trash. The best way to get rid of your non-working old TV is to recycle it through certified TV recycling facilities.

Then, not only the condition but also the type of TV matters in the donation process, as the flat-screen TVs, such as LEDs, LCDs, or plasmas, are more acceptable as they are lightweight and easy to handle and repair, but on the other hand, old CRT TVs are much less acceptable because of their bulkier and more hazardous composition.

Select Donation Channels:

❖    Wondering where to donate used TV? So,

After you carefully analyze your TV's condition, the next step will be choosing where you are going to donate it. You can determine the best options based on your convenience and impact. You might be feeling it hard to explore people who can buy your old TV at your demanded price; at that time, donating it will be the best choice.

Below are some primary donation options where you can donate working TVs.

Donate old televisions to nonprofit organizations:

You can explore your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other charitable organizations that gladly accept old televisions, whether they are flat-screen TVs or old CRT TVs; they get the best use out of them.

These donations will have a very positive community impact and are also tax-deductible.

Drop it off at retailer shops:

Several retailer programs, such as Best Buy and Staples, accept limited televisions per day. Explore different options and contact them through their website to book a drop-off or pickup service.

Local options:

You can donate them to local libraries, schools, and colleges, where they will utilize old TVs in education. Check if there is a nearby school’s policy for donating electronics and whether they accept televisions or not. If they do, carefully pack your old television with accessories to make a difference and be a reason for someone’s smile.

Giving old televisions to shelters with homeless individuals and families can fulfill their needs. You should contact them first and figure out their requirements, and then send them off.

Prepare Your Device:

Before donating, ensure that your television is ready to impress the next owner. Try following the tips mentioned below for efficient donation

●      Clean the TV.

●      Add accessories such as a remote control or power cords.

●      Attach documents about its condition, model, and size.

●      Record the estimated value of TVV for tax deduction.

●      Pack it in safe packaging to prevent damage during transportation. You can use blankets or padding to prevent cracks.

Broken or Outdated TV? Safe Ways to Handle it

No worries if your TV is too broken that it doesn’t qualify for donation, but still, you cannot throw it away. Even this outdated TV still has the potential for environmental and economic advantages. Instead of tossing it out in the trash, the best solution is to recycle it through certified TV recycling facilities.

They will ensure maximum material recovery and zero landfill assurance.  These facilities safely distinguish valuable materials from hazardous materials and dispose of them responsibly.

You can also take part in safe TV disposal by reducing unnecessary upgrades, reusing the old TVs for other purposes or for donation, and responsibly recycling the outdated, broken TVs and protecting the environment and your health from their potential hazards.