How to Get Rid of Old Television Sets Responsibly | OW Recycling

How Do You Get Rid of Old Television Sets?

Working in the industrial equipment sector for years gives you a front-row seat to the quiet drama of obsolete tech. Old television sets – those bulky CRTs and even the slightly slimmer flatscreens you might still find in basements – present a curious challenge. They’re not just old electronics: they’re heavy, sometimes hazardous, and frankly, a pain to dispose of properly.

When I first started dealing with TV recycling, it struck me how often people just dump these sets. For many, the TV is a relic of entertainment history, and it can feel like tossing it out is almost throwing away a piece of their personal past. But odds are, that old box in your garage is full of materials that are better off recycled properly rather than ending up in a landfill. Leaded glass, mercury in the components, plastics — all stuff our environment would prefer we not just abandon.

So, how do you go about getting rid of such a beast responsibly? First, check with your local waste management program — many municipalities have e-waste collection days. But, from my experience, these days are usually few and far between and can get overwhelmed quickly. That’s where professional recycling vendors really come into play, offering solutions year-round and sometimes even pickup services.

For businesses or anyone with multiple units, partnering with an e-waste recycler who understands the industrial side of things is a huge advantage. They’re set up to handle everything from CRTs to the latest OLEDs and can safely dismantle, sort, and process each component. TV recycling isn’t just a buzzword here — it’s about real environmental responsibility.

One vendor I’ve encountered a lot in the field is OW Recycling. They’ve built a solid reputation for careful handling and compliance with regulations. Their team knows the hazards these old sets can carry and implements safeguards throughout. Plus, it feels good knowing your old televisions won’t just be tossed somewhere shady.

An interesting bit I’ve noticed over the years: many engineers talk about how CRT TVs are a “perfect storm” of hazardous waste and valuable recyclables. Leaded glass is toxic, yes, but the glass can be cleaned and reused. The plastic casings are often PVC or ABS — not the nicest to recycle, but manageable if sorted properly. And then there’s the cathode tubes themselves, which need specialized tech to handle.

To make an informed choice, I suggest looking at vendor offerings beyond just “take your TVs” — think careful material processing, regulatory compliance, and ideally, some transparency on what happens afterward. Let’s compare a few typical recycling vendors to give you a feel for the market:

Oddly enough, the choice often boils down to convenience versus thoroughness. You may find a vendor willing to pick up your old television without fuss, but they may not have the same certification standards as another who requires drop-off. And that “transparency” piece can feel like the missing puzzle — in real terms, where your TV ends up matters deeply.

On a personal note, I recall a small shop owner in the Midwest who called me about getting rid of dozens of outdated CRT TVs from a store closure. They were worried about EPA compliance and potential fines. After helping them locate a certified recycler with pickup — OW Recycling, actually — the process went so smoothly they ended up scheduling annual pickups for other e-waste as well. It’s these behind-the-scenes stories that highlight just how important good recycling practices are beyond the headlines.

So, if you’re staring down at that old television wondering how to get rid of it, I’d say: don’t just chuck it. Take the time to explore professional options, check credentials, and do a bit of legwork. Trust me, your local environment (and the planet beyond) will thank you.

And if nothing else, when you finally see that old set gone, it somehow feels like reclaiming space — and peace of mind.

References:

1. EPA Guidelines on Electronic Waste: epa.gov/electronics
2. OW Recycling Official Site and Certifications: owrecycling.com
3. Industry Whitepapers on CRT Recycling Best Practices