Don't Pay To Get Rid Of That Old TV: Here's How To Safely Dispose Of It For Free

A new TV is one of the best Costco home finds worth grabbing while they're discounted. But what do you do with your current set? Unless you plan on moving the TV to the wall in your bedroom, you might consider contacting a junk removal company which can cost $50 to $100 dollars to dispose of it responsibly. TVs are classified as electronic waste, containing harmful materials like lead, cadmium, and mercury. As a result, most U.S. states, including California, New York, and Washington, have electronics recycling plans in place that explicitly disallows the dumping of e-waste in landfills. But that doesn't mean you have to pay a bundle to get rid of your old TV. You can safely dispose of it for free or for a small fee by dropping it off at Best Buy, depending on where you live. Moreover, certain states and counties provide free services such as special recycling events, and there are even private e-recycling companies that will accept TVs for free.

For instance, the Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps (LCC) in California is a state-approved and sponsored program that recycles electronic waste, including both flat screen and CRT TVs, without any charge. They even offer free pick up services and accept impromptu drop offs at their two recycling centers. You just need to ensure your device's screen doesn't sport cracks. Similarly, people residing in Alameda County can drop-off their e-waste at any of HHW's four facilities without additional fees. Check the fine print though: Living Green Technologies in the Seattle area accepts TVs at only one of its two locations. Some municipalities also hold special programs for electronic waste — keep an eye on your local government's website. Certain manufacturers and charitable organizations accept old (working) TVs for free, too.

One of the easiest ways to dispose of your old TV is to drop it off at your local Best Buy. Though a household is limited to two units per day, you won't incur charges for their safe disposal in most states. That being said, the recycling rules differ across states, and you'll have to pay a $29.99 drop-off fee in certain regions, such as Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. But you'll receive a $30 Best Buy Gift Card in exchange. Moreover, these locations only accept TVs that are 50-inches or smaller. On the other hand, if you're a resident of Hawaii, Connecticut, or California, not only can you drop off your old TV for free but also don't have to deal with size restrictions.

In case you don't have a store near your home, you can buy a recycling box online and mail it in per the included instructions. However, this alternative isn't completely free since you'll have to pay $22.99 or $29.99 for a box. This cost isn't refundable, either. Additionally, the retailer offers a haul-away service, including for TVs larger than 50 inches. Sadly, you'll have to pay dearly for this convenience: Either $49.99 if you bought a new TV from the retailer or $199.99 if you didn't. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest Staples to avail of their free e-waste recycling program, though they only accept streaming devices and Apple TVs. Other kinds of TVs are not accepted.

Recycling events and Best Buys aren't your only options. Another route is by checking the manufacturer's site to see if the company itself offers free recycling. Certain brands, like Samsung, LG, Sharp, Panasonic, and Apple, have either partnered with retailers or charitable trusts to make recycling convenient for consumers, or they have ties to MRM (Electronics Manufacturers Recycling Management company), providing a national mail-back system. Note that, in general, these companies only accept their own products (Apple is an exception, accepting comparable small items from other brands). While Amazon has both recycling and trade-in programs for smaller electronics, it does not accept televisions.

Alternatively, donate your working TV to your local Goodwill (it might not accept CRTs), Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salvation Army, and other donation or thrift centers. Don't forget to take the remote with you. You can also list it on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist — for free or at a nominal charge — if you aren't in a hurry. or try giving it away through a Buy Nothing group on Facebook (be honest about its condition). Whichever option you pick, remember to do a hard reset and remove any personal information and preference-based data from your smart TV before you hand it over.