Want to Get Rid of an Old TV? Here’s Exactly What to Do
- geoff371
- Apr 7
- 7 min read
You’ve finally upgraded to one of those sleek new TVs with better resolution, smarter features, and fewer wires cluttering your living room. But now there’s an old television set just sitting there—dusty, outdated, and frankly, in the way. Whether it’s a bulky CRT TV or a flat screen that’s stopped working, getting rid of an old TV isn’t as simple as tossing it in the trash.
Why? Because most TVs contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and other toxic waste that can’t just end up in a landfill. And while many households go through several televisions over the years, the environment doesn’t get a second chance.
This quick guide walks you through how to get rid of an old TV the right way—whether you want to recycle it, donate it, or have it picked up without lifting a finger.
Ready to make space for your new setup—without harming the planet? Let’s get started.
7 Practical Ways to Get Rid of Old TV
1. Donate It to a Charity or Community
If your old television still turns on—even if it’s a bit behind the times—it could still be useful to someone else.
Whether it's a CRT TV tucked away in the garage or a flat screen that's no longer your primary screen, donation is one of the most rewarding ways to part with used electronics.
Schools, shelters, and community organizations often welcome working TVs, especially for shared spaces like break rooms or classrooms. Local charities such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill are great starting points.
Some smaller nonprofits or public libraries may also accept older models. Just make sure to call ahead—many only accept flat screen televisions and may not be equipped to handle old television sets that are too bulky.
If you don’t have the time or vehicle to haul it over yourself, HaulBuddy’s donation pickup service makes things easier.
Available in most cities like West Palm Beach, Raleigh, and Phoenix, our friendly two-person team will come straight to your door, collect your TV, and deliver it to a local charity of your choice—no heavy lifting required.
2. Recycle It at a Certified E-Waste Facility
Sometimes, a broken TV just isn’t worth saving—maybe it flickers, maybe it’s beyond repair, or maybe it’s that ancient TV from your old guest room that hasn’t powered on in years.
When donation isn’t an option, recycling is the most responsible route.
But don’t just toss your TV in the trash. Most televisions—especially older models—contain hazardous or toxic waste, including lead, flame retardants, and other electrical components that shouldn’t end up in a landfill.
In fact, TVs that contain hazardous materials are banned from landfills in many states across the U.S.
That’s where certified electronics recycling centers come in. Look for local facilities that follow R2 or e-Stewards standards, as they’re fully equipped to handle e-waste and dispose of it in an environmentally safe way.
Both CRT TVs and modern LED or LCD TVs can be recycled, but only if they’re taken to facilities that can properly break them down.
Not sure where to go? Start by checking your city’s recycling program or visit a directory like Earth911. Keep in mind—some facilities charge a small disposal and environmental fee, especially for older units, but the peace of mind is worth it.
By choosing a recycling and disposal service that’s certified, you’re not only clearing out space—you’re also helping reduce the 80–85% of electronic waste that still ends up in landfills.
3. Manufacturer Take-Back Programs
Still have the user manual or remember the brand of your old TV? That detail might save you a trip. Many major manufacturers—like Samsung, Sony, LG, and Vizio—offer electronics recycling through take-back programs designed to keep their products out of landfills.
If your television set is beyond repair, this could be your easiest route.
Start by visiting the brand’s official website and looking for a section labeled “Recycle,” “Take-Back,” or “Sustainability.” You’ll usually find clear instructions on how to recycle or donate your device, even if you’re not purchasing a new TV.
Some programs offer mail-in recycling, while others point you to local drop-off locations.
What makes this option even better is that these manufacturers already know how to handle the hazardous materials and electrical components inside your TV.
They’re equipped to manage e-waste safely and efficiently, whether you’re recycling flat screen televisions, CRT TVs, or other used electronics like DVD Blu-ray players or set top boxes.
It's a simple step, but checking in with your TV’s maker could be the most straightforward way to make sure your used TV gets disposed of properly—without adding to the growing pile of electronic waste in landfills.
4. Return It to a Retailer with E-Waste Services
A quick trip to your local electronics store might be all it takes to responsibly get rid of your old television set.
Retailers like Best Buy and Staples offer convenient tv recycling and disposal options—no need to hunt down a special facility. These programs are designed to safely process used electronics, including flat screen televisions, CRT TVs, and even set top boxes or dash overhead DVD players.
Since launching its initiative, Best Buy alone has recycled over 2 billion pounds of electronics, showing just how effective retail programs can be.
Most stores accept TVs under 32 inches, but it’s smart to call ahead—some may charge a small fee depending on the size or type of television you’re dropping off.
Certain locations also offer trade-in discounts or credit toward new TVs, making it easier to upgrade while ensuring your electronic waste doesn’t end up in the wrong place.
Still not sure where to go?
Check your city or county website—many areas have their own recycling center or offer listings for waste disposal companies that handle tv ready for disposal.
5. Use a Local Electronics Recycling Event
Sometimes, the easiest way to clear out an old TV is to wait for your city to come to you.
Throughout the year, many towns and counties host electronics recycling events where residents can drop off used electronics, including television sets, cell phones, and even set top boxes satellite receivers, all in one go.
These events often take place at public spaces like libraries, fire stations, or police departments—especially on weekends or during environmental awareness dates like Earth Day. They're a smart option if your area doesn’t have a year-round recycling center, or if you missed your regular junk pick up window. Some events even accept bulky items like mattresses—ideal if you’re replacing yours; see Mattress Recycling.
Check your local government's website, usually under the “events” or “waste services” section, to find out when the next e-waste collection day is happening.
Not only is it a great way to get rid of your tv ready for disposal, but it also ensures that electronic waste—and the hazardous materials TVs can contain—are handled the right way.
These one-time events are especially useful for people clearing out garages or moving, making it easy to part with used TVs, DVD Blu-ray players, and other electrical components without the hassle of locating a separate waste disposal company.
6. Offer It for Free Online (Even If Broken)
Not everything has to end up in the trash—or even at a recycling center.
Believe it or not, there are people out there actively searching for used TVs, even the ones that don’t work. That broken TV collecting dust in your guest room might be just what a tech hobbyist, repair shop, or upcycler needs for parts or repurposing.
Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or local Buy Nothing groups are great places to list your old television set for free.
It’s quick, convenient, and surprisingly effective. Just be sure to clearly state the condition in your listing—mention if it’s a flat screen television, a CRT TV, or something in between. Add a few photos, describe any issues honestly, and let people know it's available for pick up only.
If you can’t move it yourself, set a pickup time and location that works for you. Whether you're clearing space for new TVs or decluttering your living room with old electronics, giving it away online can be a win-win.
You free up space, and someone else gets to reuse or recycle the electrical components instead of letting them become hazardous or toxic waste.
7. Ask Your Utility Provider About Appliance Recycling
Here’s a little-known trick that often flies under the radar: your utility company might help you get rid of that old TV—and maybe even offer a reward for it.
As part of their energy efficiency programs, many providers offer recycling and disposal services when you’re replacing outdated electronics with newer, more energy-efficient models.
These programs are sometimes tucked away under “rebates” or “green initiatives” on your utility provider’s website.
In some areas, they even partner with third-party services to arrange pick up and proper disposal of used electronics, including television sets, flat screen televisions, and even desktop sidebar image accessories like battery backups or dash overhead DVD players.
All television manufacturers are required to offer recycling options—but what many don’t realize is that energy providers may add extra convenience or perks.
This could be a hidden gem if you're upgrading your home entertainment setup and want to make the most out of your electronics recycling efforts.
A quick check with your local provider might be the final step in responsibly clearing out your tv ready for disposal—without having to load it into the car or search for a separate waste disposal company.
Donate Your Old TV Without Lifting a Finger – Let HaulBuddy Help
Still wondering how to get rid of old TV equipment that’s gathering dust in the corner? Whether it’s a CRT model that’s been long forgotten or a flat screen you recently replaced, there’s a better solution than letting it sit unused. HaulBuddy makes it simple to turn your unwanted television into a valuable donation—without any hassle on your end.
Through our on-demand donation pickup service, you can give your used TV a second life. Our fully licensed and insured team will come straight to your home, pick up the television set, and deliver it to a local charity, school, or community group in need.
It’s a convenient, responsible way to declutter your home while making a positive impact.
Currently available in Raleigh, NC, Palm Beach, Phoenix, and other U.S. cities, HaulBuddy is here to make the process as seamless as possible. When you're ready to clear the clutter, support your community, and help keep electronic waste out of landfills, just visit www.haulbuddy.com to schedule your pickup.
You already know how to get rid of old TV gear the smart way—now let HaulBuddy handle the rest.
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