How Do You Get Rid of Old Televisions? Safe & Responsible Disposal Tips

How Do You Get Rid of Old Televisions?

After having spent more than a decade working across industrial sectors—often involved in equipment lifecycle management—I’ve seen a lot of old technology pile up. And frankly, those old CRT TVs and bulky plasma screens? They’re kind of a headache when it comes to disposal. In an age where flat screens reign supreme and devices seem to get replaced almost yearly, the question “how do you get rid of old televisions” isn’t just about clearing space; it’s a real environmental concern.

You remember those heavy sets with the big glass bulbs inside? They contain hazardous materials—lead in the glass, mercury in the circuits, not to mention the ton of plastic and metal. Tossing them in the trash isn’t an option; it’s illegal in many places—and rightly so. Oddly enough, many people don’t realize just how complicated it is to dispose of these safely. There’s a lot more to it than just “put it out with the curbside pickup.”

So what’s the right way? In my experience and from what industry guidelines suggest, the best route is recycling through certified programs. These programs specialize in breaking down the TVs, safely extracting harmful substances, and salvaging valuable materials like copper, aluminum, and plastic. If you’re looking to be responsible about it, this is where you start.

A funny thing I noticed years ago: people often hoard old TVs—not just in homes but warehouses—thinking they might still “come in handy” or that they can’t be gotten rid of easily. And sure, sometimes they do get gifted to charities or schools, but for the obsolete or broken ones, recycling is the safest and most practical path. Honestly, when my cousin finally upgraded to a sleek OLED, he called me specifically to help him figure out the old tube TV’s fate.

Key Product Specifications Typical of Televisions Being Disposed

Comparing Major TV Recycling Vendors

I suppose the takeaway is this: don’t just chuck old TVs into the regular trash. The materials inside them can harm the environment and communities if handled improperly. More importantly, recycling recovers tons of useful materials—the circular economy is real, and recycling old TVs plays a part in it. If you’re in doubt, reach out to reliable vendors like OW Recycling who know their stuff.

And hey, if you think it’s a drag to handle old electronics, you’re not alone. But once you’ve done it right, you’ll feel a bit better about clearing that clutter, knowing you’ve done your bit.

References:
1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "TV & Monitor Recycling"
2. R2 Solutions, Certification Overview
3. OW Recycling, Services & Certifications