How To Dispose of a Broken TV for Free/Cheap?

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Televisions can last a very long time – usually a decade or even longer.

However, accidents happen, or the years can wear down your TV, and eventually, your TV may no longer function as it should.

When this occurs, it is time to do away with it. But how do you dispose of a broken TV?

In general, you don’t want to send your broken TV straight to the landfill because its materials harm the environment. Because of this, some states have made sending a TV to a landfill illegal!

Therefore, recycling a damaged TV is the best option to get rid of it. In this manner, the environment is protected, and you can utilize its materials to create something new.

But how can you do it for a reasonable price, or even better, for free? Join us as we dive into the top 9 ways to dispose of a broken TV!

1. Search for Local Recycling Services

First things first: you should search for local recycling services.

Nevertheless, this is easier said than done, depending on where you live.

It is generally easier to find recycling services in a big city than in a small town. If you live in a relatively remote area, you will probably have to drive to a more populated area to find a recycling center.

There is also the fact that recycling guidelines differ from area to area. Sometimes, the guidelines can vary from county to county!

For example, a neighboring county may offer recycling services that pick up your TV for recycling. That way, you don’t have to spend a dime – or, at least, you’ll only need to pay a small fee.

However, some counties only offer recycling centers, with no pickup services. This means you’ll have to transport your broken TV and drop it off at the recycling center, which may take up some time and fuel, but it’s usually a free service.

A great way to find your local recycling services is to simply Google them. 

Alternatively, you can use the Earth911 Recycling Search, which allows you to search for the object you want recycled (a TV, in this case) along with your zip code. It will then find all the recycling centers that service your area.

2. Avail of a Recycling Service from an Electronics Manufacturer

Another great option is to receive recycling service information from an electronics manufacturer. 

Believe it or not, a lot of established electronics manufacturers offer their own recycling services! 

Most of the time, this is because of their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, through which companies try to be more socially responsible and give back to their community.

Of course, a great way to do this is to offer their customers great recycling services, which takes the problem off your hands and gives you all the information you need simultaneously!

Samsung, for example, has a Responsible Recycling program.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also compiled a list of different recycling services offered by companies. Their list includes LG, Vizio, Samsung, Sony, and TCL, all of which offer various television recycling services.

Electronics Takeback also has a Manufacturer Takeback Programs list, which includes details on recycling services offered by Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba, Zenith, and other companies. 

3. Find a Local Recycling Event

Suppose you’re having a hard time finding recycling services, whether offered by your local government or by the manufacturer of your TV, then you can try waiting for a local recycling event.

Recycling events have become more common in the last few years. They can be hosted by several venues, such as schools or malls.

Recycling events usually work in the following manner: a donation center is set up for a few days at a certain location. You can then bring your electronics and drop them off at the center, which will recycle them for you.

Since recycling events are even more dependent on where you live, the best way to find one is to Google for electronic drop-off recycling events – or, even better, ask your friends and family if they’ve heard of any coming up!

4. Use Best Buy’s Haul Away Service

Another great option is using Best Buy’s Haul Away service, which recycles flat screen televisions up to 50 inches in size. 

There are two main downsides to this. The first is that there is a haul-away fee, and the second is that you’re limited to two recycled TVs per day.

However, you can get a discount on their fee if you buy a new TV from Best Buy at the same time.

And, if you have the time, you can just drop off your broken TV to avoid paying their haul away fee. Just remember to include your TV receiver when dropping the TV off for recycling!

5. Drop It Off at a Donation Center

Another great option is to drop off your broken TV at a donation center. This is because donation centers often recycle broken electronics for you.

The most common donation centers that recycle broken electronics are Goodwill and the Salvation Army. 

However, not all branches recycle the same kinds of electronics, especially since the recycling services may limit them in your area.

To save yourself time and effort, be sure to contact your local branch ahead of time and ask if they recycle broken TVs.

6. Hire Private Recycling Services

The final tip we have for you is to hire private recycling services.

Recycling services tend to cost more, but they are worth it if you really need to get rid of your broken TV as soon as possible and have no other options available.

Like all the previous tips, this will depend on where you live and what companies service your area.

But there are some solid areas to begin.

For example, Waste Management has a program especially for recycling old TVs into new products to extend the life cycle of its materials. 

There is also 1800 Got Junk, which offers TV disposal services on its website.

And finally, there is Junk King, which has a special Old TV Disposal and Recycling service, which you can even book online.

7. Sell It to an Electronic Store

Why dispose of a broken TV for cheap if you can make money from it?

Yes, that’s possible, although it depends on the electronic store where you live.

In general, if your TV isn’t broken beyond repair, electronic stores might be willing to buy it for a minimal price.

This is because they can then repair it and resell it as a second-hand TV.

So look around your area and see if any electronic stores offer this service!

8. Sell It to a Junkyard

Another way to make money off of your broken TV is to sell it to a junkyard or some other kind of business that collects scraps.

This is because junkyards can take apart the TV, salvage any working parts, then resell those parts.

You won’t earn much, but if you can transport the TV, it’ll be an easy way to get rid of it.

9. Give It Away

If your TV isn’t completely bashed in, you can also try giving it away.

As long as it’s not irreparably broken, a friend of yours might be willing to keep it and have it fixed on their own dime.

You won’t be able to make money off it, but you’ll get it out of your house – and prevent more e-waste from going to the landfill!

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