Where Can I Dispose of a TV?

Enablers Tech
Oct 13
6 min read

In this digital world, everyone needs upgraded TVs and LEDs of newer and advanced models, and the old TVs are tossed in the trash without proper handling. Do you know, broken or old TVs are generating millions of tons of electronic waste and actively taking part in raising environmental hazards?

Old televisions, including the old CRT TVs, need to be disposed of responsibly, but the question that arises in everyone’s mind at that time is “Where and how can I dispose of a TV?” The answer is thoroughly explained in this article. You would know about the various options you can choose for the responsible disposal of TVs and what important measures you should take to handle them securely.

The Need for the Responsible Disposal Of Old Televisions

If you are concerned with environmental safety and human health, then choosing to throw away your old television in the trash bin is the most inappropriate way of disposal. Unknowingly, you’ll be polluting the environment badly because old televisions contain many hazardous materials or toxic chemicals, such as mercury, lead, cadmium, etc., that, if they are landfilled, will pollute both the soil and water.

Additionally, responsible disposal or recycling offers significant benefits such as material recovery and the potential resale revenue.

Also, landfilling of TVs in many regions is illegal and is banned because of their potential hazards. So, comply with e-waste laws to avoid legal penalties and help the planet grow healthy and safely with smart TV disposal strategies.

Need for the Responsible Disposal Of Old Televisions

Options For Disposing of a Broken TV

While you can’t just throw away your old television because of the reasons I mentioned above, you can

● Recycle it,

● Donate it,

● Resell it, or

● Reuse it.

Depending on the age, functionality, or physical health of your old TVs, you should decide where to dispose of broken TVs or where to dispose of flat screen TVs. Let’s explore various options you can adopt for safe disposal.

Drop Off at an Electronics Recycling Center.

Recycling your old TVs through specialized e-waste recycling centers is one of the most convenient and environmentally friendly options. These companies often handle everything from pickup or drop-off to certified recycling of TVs. They handle hazardous materials responsibly throughout the process and extract most of the reusable materials from your junk TV set. They adhere to e-waste laws and ensure environmental safety.

Before recycling, visit the TV recycling certified companies' website and know what their acceptance policy is in terms of TV types (CRTs, LEDs, and plasmas) and what their recycling procedures are. Afterwards, schedule your pickup service for hassle-free transportation and free up your store’s space responsibly.

Participate in Electronics Collection Events.

You can drop off your old televisions at different recycling events organized by municipal communities. They possess a seamless recycling process with minimal cost and safe disposal. You need to check if certain events are happening in your particular area by searching the electronic drop-off in [your city], such as Atlanta.

Remember, there may be events or organizations that don’t accept televisions, so make sure to check the accepted items list of that event before bringing them to the point. You also need to check the reliability of the recycling process of the organization so that your old TV is recycled responsibly with eco-friendly and sustainable strategies.

Sell a Repairable Flat-Screen TV Online.

Where to dispose of flat screen TVs?

If your TV is not that old and still works or can be fixed with minor adjustments, then instead of recycling, take advantage of it. You can sell it on various online platforms such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. These platforms will connect you to different local buyers with suitable prices. You need to list the item on these platforms with complete details, such as

● Clear pictures from all angles,

● Screen size,

● Model number or brand,

● Damages or flaws,

● Suitable price.

Recommendation: Do the research first and see what other people with the same listing item are including in their details and what their prices are. In this way, you’ll have the idea of how much you should charge for your old TV. Also include accessories for a higher return. Or if you don't want any profit and just need to get rid of your old TV, then list it for free.

Sell at a community yard sale:

A community yard sale is another safe disposal option for your functional, old TVs. For this purpose, you need to make an effort and take your old TV to the nearest garage sale, or you can carry out your own yard sale by including other household items also in this sale and letting other people know that you are having a sale on this day at this place through flyers or online posts. In this way, with your old TVs, you can also clean up your house space by selling other useless items.

Donate to a charitable organization or secondhand stores:

You can donate old televisions to nonprofits or to thrift stores to take part in community initiatives and help people who can’t afford to have a TV in their home. Organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army responsibly handle the donated televisions and deliver them to the deserving recipients, such as low-income families, hospitals, schools, orphanages, or senior citizen homes.

In this way, you’ll not only get rid of your old TV, but you’ll also be assured that it is reused responsibly.

Donate to local educational institutions:

Donating your old TV through charitable organizations is a good choice, but for further security, you can drop off your asset at the nearby libraries, schools, colleges, or other educational institutes to support growing youth with low-income backgrounds.

The donation of both types (through an organization or yourself) is tax-deductible, allowing you to erase a fair amount of money from your government taxes by showing the donation receipt to them. Don’t forget to ask for a receipt from the organization after donating.

Repurpose old televisions for something useful:

You can extend your old TV’s health by using it for something more useful. Even if it is not helping you in entertainment, convert it to a computer monitor screen or a gaming display. Repurposing reduces e-waste as well as lowers your cost in buying expensive household items that an old TV can replace.

Participate in trade-in programs:

Another safe disposal option for a TV is to take your old TV to the manufacturer. They often provide credits or discounts on the next device you buy from them. The value of credits depends on the condition of your TV. They will analyze it first and then mark the value. Companies such as Best Buy, Samsung, and Amazon offer trade-in services with seamless processing. Check their trade-in requirements and drop it off at their stores.

Guided Steps and Important Recommendations for Safe TV Disposal

When you are deciding how to dispose of a TV, it is important to follow a few steps to guarantee safe and efficient disposal. These steps will clear all your confusion about “Where can I dispose of a TV?”

If your television has been stored for a long time in the garage or basement, check its functionality before donating or reselling it to avoid any inconvenience and disappointment for the new user.
Select a disposal method based on your preferences (profit demand and convenience), and the condition of your old TVs.
Choose a certified recycling company, especially for the recycling of TVs, because they need extra care and expertise in handling hazardous materials. Especially, the old CRT TVs contain more toxic chemicals in their tubes than modern TVs nowadays, with minimal toxicity.
Track each step of the recycling process to ensure transparency and accountability.
Don’t forget to demand documents or certificates for tax deduction, data destruction, and responsible recycling.

Safe dispose of old tvs process - atlanta ewaste solutions

FAQs:

Can You Throw TVs in the Trash?

The answer is a strict no. Don't think about where to trash or throw away a TV, as it will cause serious harm to the environment and human health. Many states banned the irresponsible disposal of TVs in trash because it pollutes both the soil and water with its toxic materials. Instead, choose a certified recycling company and a responsible donation or reselling process to avoid potential hazards.

Do TV Disposal Laws Exist in Every State?

Not all states have e-waste disposal laws, such as florida, Alaska, Georgia, or many US states don’t have proper e-waste disposal laws. But this duty is upto you to dispose of broken tvs or other IT assets safely without discarding them in regular trash.

Where to dispose of old TV for free?

If you are looking for how to dispose of a TV for free, then you should contact the local e-waste recycling programs or waste management TV disposal services. They often provide free television disposal with sustainable and eco-friendly options. You shouldn’t take a TV to the dump; instead, let the certified recycling companies handle it.