When you're ready to replace your old TV, it's a good idea to first check if someone else can still use it. The reason is simple: electronic waste makes up only 2% of landfill volume but accounts for nearly 70% of the toxic waste found there.
If that fact alone doesn’t give you pause, it’s important to remember that many states and municipalities prohibit disposing of TVs and other electronics with regular household trash. So, how should you recycle a TV properly? We’ll guide you through the process.
While e-waste only makes up 2% of landfill volume, it accounts for 70% of toxic waste found there.
—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Why You Should Recycle TVs and Other E-Waste
Every year, we produce more than 50 million metric tons of electronic waste globally. That includes everything from old TVs and computers to phones, tablets, and kitchen appliances. As technology evolves and devices are replaced faster than ever, this number only keeps growing.
The problem is that much of this e-waste contains hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants. These substances seep into groundwater, contaminate soil, and contribute to long-term environmental damage.
At the same time, electronics are full of valuable materials that can be recovered. Precious metals including gold, silver, and palladium, along with copper, aluminum, and high-grade plastics, can be processed and reused to manufacture new products.
According to the EPA, recycling one million laptops saves enough energy to power 3,500 U.S. homes for one year. Add in TVs, monitors, phones, and all the other e-waste we generate, and the amount of energy that could be saved becomes massive.
How to Dispose of a TV
Sell Your TV to a Business
If your TV is still in good condition, you may be able to sell it and make money in the process. Consignment shops and pawn shops sometimes accept electronics, although it depends on the store. A lot of these shops will not take older models, but if your TV is only a couple of years old, there is a good chance they will be interested, as newer models are easier to resell.
When working with these kinds of businesses, the typical arrangement is a profit split. Usually, the shop and the seller share the proceeds, often with a 50–50 or 60–40 split. Either way, selling your TV keeps it out of the landfill and gives it a second life with someone who can still use it.
Sell Your TV Online
Online marketplaces give you more flexibility and let you keep the full sale price. If you are not in a rush, you can list your TV on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, which are among the most popular options for local sales.
There are also apps like Letgo, DeCluttr, Nextdoor, and OfferUp that make it easy to reach buyers both locally and across the country. Most of these platforms are free to use, although some offer paid options to boost your listing and improve visibility.
Manufacturer Programs for Recycling TVs
Most electronics manufacturers nowadays offer recycling programs that allow you to return old devices for refurbishing or responsible recycling. TV brands such as LG, Sharp, Samsung, Sony, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, and Toshiba all have approved take-back programs for customers.
You can contact the manufacturer directly for instructions on how to return your TV. Some offer free recycling, while others may cover shipping costs or provide store credit for certain models. Best Buy, for example, accepts TVs from any manufacturer as long as they are 32 inches or smaller and offers a $10 coupon for recycling.
If the manufacturer does not offer a recycling program, check with local electronics stores or repair shops, as they typically accept TVs and smaller devices for responsible disposal or resale.
E-Waste Centers for Recycling TVs
If you're unable to sell or return your TV, the best option may be an e-waste recycling center. Most communities hold e-waste collection events a few times per year, and some counties operate permanent drop-off sites. If you cannot find one nearby, you can search online for certified e-waste facilities that accept TVs and other electronics. Before you go, it is a good idea to check which items are accepted and whether there are any drop-off fees.
Solutions for Recycling E-Waste
If your business has a large amount of TVs or other types of e-waste to dispose, we offer bulk pickup and responsible recycling services. You schedule the pickup, and our team handles the removal, transportation, and processing.
At Sourgum, we upcycle waste and keep it out of landfills. Using our technology, we make sustainable living simple by reducing waste and finding innovative ways to recycle. No matter the size or quantity, we handle your old electronics responsibly and efficiently.
Additionally, when you rent a dumpster from Sourgum, you not only get great customer service and pricing, but you also make a positive impact on the environment. For every dumpster rented, we plant a tree in an area affected by deforestation with One Tree Planted.
