How to Recycle Your TV

When you are ready to get rid of your TV, it makes sense to first see if someone else can still use it before chucking it away. The reason why 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 isn’t enough to make you pause and you’re still thinking about just tossing it in the trash, keep in mind that most states and towns actually prohibit throwing TVs and other electronics into dumpsters or household trash. So yeah, that won’t work either…

So, how do you properly start recycling TVs? Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it.

Why You Should Recycle TVs and Other E-Waste

Every year, the world produces over 50 million metric tons of electronic waste. That includes everything from old TVs and computers to phones, tablets, and kitchen appliances. And that number keeps climbing as technology evolves and devices get replaced faster than ever. 

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 also full of valuable materials that can be recovered, with precious metals like gold, silver, and palladium, along with copper, aluminum, and high-grade plastics that can be processed and reused to manufacture new products. 

According to the EPA, recycling one million laptops saves enough energy to power over 3,500 U.S. homes for a year. Now add TVs, monitors, phones, and all the other e-waste we generate, and the amount of energy that could be saved becomes massive.

How to Recycle Large Quantities of E-Waste

If your business has a large amount of TVs or other e-waste that needs to be disposed of, we offer bulk pickup and responsible recycling services. You schedule the pickup, and our team handles the removal, transportation, and processing. 

Here at Sourgum, we strive to upcycle waste and divert it from landfill streams. With our technology, we are able to create more sustainable living and a greener community by eliminating waste and continually finding new ways to recycle.

No matter how much you need to get rid of, we make sure your old electronics are handled the right way, with as little hassle for you as possible. 

Contact us today to schedule your e-waste pickup and let Sourgum handle the rest.

How to Dispose of a TV

Sell Your TV to a Business (And Make a Little Cash)

If your TV is still in good condition, you may be able to sell it and make some decent money in the process. Businesses such as 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 since 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 ten-dollar coupon for recycling.

If your 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 are unable to sell or return your TV, your best option may be an e-waste recycling center. 

Most communities hold e-waste collection events a few times a 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.

Every Dumpster Rental Makes A Difference

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 world. For every dumpster rental, we make a donation to One Tree Planted, an organization that specializes in reforestation efforts. 

Every rental is equivalent to one tree planted in a reviving forest around the world. Help us heal the planet one tree at a time and order your roll-off dumpster rental today!