Where to Recycle a TV

Electronic waste or e-waste is becoming a growing issue for many consumers. Twenty-five states have passed laws mandating the recycling of e-waste. Landfills in many of the remaining states will not take electronics such as televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, cellphones, cords, or chargers. So what can you do with this type of recycling? Read on for more information on where to recycle a TV.

IS YOUR TELEVISION WORKING?

The answer to this question provides you different options. If your television works, it can be recycled in more ways than nonworking sets.

IF YOUR TV STILL WORKS

Trade it in on a new television. Many manufacturers and big-box retailers offer rebates to purchase a new television if you trade in your old television. Not only are you keeping it out of the landfill, but you are also getting a break on the price of a new device.

Give it to a friend or a family member. If you are one of those who always have the latest and greatest, your "old" television might still be an upgrade for someone you know.

You can list it on Craigslist, OfferUp, or other "sell your stuff" sites. You might be able to make a few bucks.

If you cannot sell it, try Freecycle. Freecycle is a program that allows users to give away items to other Freecyclers. You list your item, then choose the other party’s time and place to pick up your television. You do not have to allow them into your home; you can set up a meeting in a busy public place if you are concerned about safety.

Donate it to charity. Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and charitable thrift shops will clean up your television and sell it to raise funds for their mission. You get a tax deduction for your trouble.

IF YOUR TV NO LONGER WORKS

If you’re not sure where to recycle a tv, just take it to Best Buy. This big-box retailer has drop off locations in most of its stores. Just call the store before loading up your television to make sure that they will accept it at that location. They may also refer you to another nearby site for drop-off.

Call your television manufacturer. Many of the most popular manufacturers have drop-off locations or mail-in programs for recycling their televisions.

Check with your local government to see if they are planning to host an e-waste recycling events. Many communities offer drop-offs for televisions when there are no permanent recycling facilities that accept e-waste.

Your local appliance repair shop may take it. Any appliance repair shop that does television repair may take your nonworking (or working) television to use for spare parts. This option will require some legwork on your part to find a shop that will take your television.

A recycler like West Coast Computer Recycler will take your old television. For businesses with multiple equipment pieces, they will even pick up your eWaste within their service area.