Where to Recycle TV? Complete Guide

Enablers Tech
Oct 13
6 min read

In this modern era, TVs have evolved from bulky CRTs to flat screen LEDs, and these continue to advance with smarter features and energy-efficient technologies. But what about your old TV that has been broken or is no use even if it is functional, you need to recycle it properly without trashing it down in regular bins. Explore several options of where to recycle TVs and why you shouldn’t throw them.

You should know about the facts that recycling old TVs is not an optional choice for you but is a necessity to protect the environment and human health. Help to reduce e-waste by responsible handling your old tech, including TVs, laptops, or other IT equipment.

Understanding TV Types: Tailored Recycling Procedures

Televisions vary widely in composition, materials, hazards, and impact on the environment. In 2025, modern tech has been introduced, focusing on materials that can be reused and recycled easily to reduce e-waste, but there are still old TVs in some households that are thrown away irresponsibly. Millions of TVs are irresponsibly discarded, reducing recycling and material recovery opportunities.

Several TV recycling organizations are working on safe tech disposal. Different television types need different recycling procedures, as each contains unique hazardous materials that demand specific handling and disposal strategies.

Cathode Ray Tubes:

Old CRT TVs are considered to be highly hazardous when they mix with groundwater or soil because of their composition. There is a vacuum tube inside the TV with leaded glass with upto 20% lead, which makes it hazardous and toxic. Also, other toxic materials such as cadmium, barium, or mercury need to be handled securely to prevent contamination.

CRT TVs need special handling, including manual dismantling of leaded glass and phosphorus coating to prevent toxic release. It is done only by TV-certified recycling companies. Drop them off at e-waste recycling centres or schedule a free TV recycling pickup in case of bulk quantities, and responsibly handle the process.

LCD and LED TVs Recycling:

These modern flat screens use liquid crystal for imaging and phosphor-converted LEDs to reduce toxic elements, but these just reduce them, not eliminate them. There are still elements like mercury, cadmium, and lead present in circuit boards, backlights, and displays (plastic) that need to be handled securely.

Certified recycling companies know how to handle LED or LCD recycling, from removing the backlights manually to material recovery steps and finalization. They handle each step securely, ensuring environment and staff safety.

You can take them back to the manufacturers for trade-in services or drop them off at local e-waste recycler sites. Most of the TV brands accept broken or functioning TVs for recycling purposes and recover most of the materials that are further used in different technologies.

Plasma Display Panel Recycling:

Plasma TVs need extra care and expertise as they operate on gas discharge cells filled with a mixture of gases to produce images, also they are coated with phosphorus for protection. These cells are dismantled or separated carefully with emission control strategies to prevent an explosion. If you are wondering where to take TVs to recycle, there are specialty stores and companies that offer free old TV recycling. Avoid local recyclers with no certifications or specialties for TV handling.

Recycling Options:

There are several eco-friendly and convenient recycling options for “where to take broken TVs” and recycle them securely. If you are searching for where can I drop off a TV for recycling, consider the following options.

Manufacturers Take Back Program:

Manufacturers are often required to recycle old electronics, providing responsible disposal at zero cost. Many brands like samsung, LG, and others offer take-back programs and provide credits return for old electronics, depending on the condition.

Samsung offers free drop-off services and also holds collection events at several locations in Atlanta and many other states. They accept old electronics, including TVs, mobile phones, etc. Visit their official website to know nearby locations and get rid of old televisions.
LG Electronics also offers both drop-off and mail-in services for free television recycling.
Panasonic, Sony, Toshiba, and many other brands collaborate with the MRM company and carry out recycling programs to manage e-waste responsibly.

Retailer Recycling Services:

This is the most convenient and widespread recycling service, providing mail-in, drop off or free recycling pickup services from home. These retailer shops are easily accessible on online platforms. For example, Atlanta ewaste solutions provide free flat screen TV recycling and provides free pickup for larger TVs.

Local and Community Programs:

Several local municipal drop-off sites and non-profit organizations carry out TV disposal events for safe recycling and accept a wide variety of TV types, including CRT, LED, LCD, or plasma. These events may charge recycling fees per TV, so always check the authenticity of the event and responsibly get rid of your old TVs.

Television Recycling Process:

Television recycling undergoes the following steps to ensure maximum material recovery and minimum hazard risk.

Collection and transport: Televisions are collected at various drop-off locations or collected through pickup services and are transported to recycling facilities with careful packaging.
Sorting and assessment: All the TVs are sorted out depending on condition, like functional and non-functional televisions are separated. Broken TVs are recycled, and materials are recovered, while non-functional ones, after refurbishment, are either resold or donated.
Dismantling: The recyclable televisions are dismantled, and hazardous materials or different parts are separated manually and processed differently. Hazardous materials like mercury lamps or leaded glass are removed to prevent release into the environment, and the circuit boards, plastics, display units, screws, screens, or metal frames are precisely separated for safe handling.
Material recovery: After shredding or chemical processing, several valuable elements are separated, like gold, rare earth elements, and are further processed. Other materials like metals, plastic, or glass are also recovered and used in different new technologies.

Why Recycle Televisions:

Televisions contain many hazardous materials like mercury, cadmium, and lead, which, if mixed in landfills, can cause serious environmental issues, leading to health problems. Responsible TV disposal can prevent many issues and help in many ways, for example,

Safe toxic disposal
Material recovery
Compliance with e-waste management and environment laws
Provide employment opportunities in recycling facilities
Reduce toxic exposure to vulnerable communities

Conclusion:

TV recycling is as important as other critical environment and social practices, as they harm the environment severely. By recycling only one TV, you can contribute to a safer and cleaner environment with no hazardous landfills and polluted air. To implement effective waste management, know where to recycle TV and which TV types pose a greater threat.

The TV recycling process not only complies with e-waste laws and creates a safe environment but also contributes to the circular economy by recovering valuable materials and conserving energy. You can locate certified TV recyclers near you through Earth911 and take action today.

FAQs:

Where can you recycle TVs for free?

You can take old TVs to certified electronic recycling companies that recycle old TVs responsibly, such as Best Buy, which accepts older TVs as well as modern flat screen TVs for recycling and provides drop-off and pickup services, making it easier to recycle TVs for free and ensure sustainability.

At the same time, Staples or Atlanta E-Waste Solutions doesn’t accept old tvs. But at Atlanta E-waste Solutions, you can recycle other IT equipment with hassle-free processing and pickup services.

Are Old TVs Worth Anything?

Definitely, old TVs, including CRTs, contain various valuable elements such as gold, copper, plastic, and many other materials that can be used as raw materials in different technologies and equipment.

Also, if you sell your old TV, you can get the maximum return, depending on the condition and age. And if you decide to donate your old TV to charity organizations and needy communities, then it will be more rewarding for you and also for others.

Are TV Remotes Considered E-Waste?

Yes, old TV remotes are also considered e-waste as they contain harmful substances and metals that should be recycled properly. Recycling companies accept accessories along with the TV. So you can drop off old TV remotes to certified recyclers, and after examination, they will either refurbish them or recycle them properly.

What should I do before recycling my old smart TV?

Smart TVs can store information such as login details, streaming history and other app information so it is essential to factory reset a smart TV before recycling it. Ensure that your personal data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.