Where Can I Throw Away a TV? 7 Disposal Options [2026]

TVs contain lead, mercury, and other hazardous materials that make them illegal to throw in regular trash in 25+ states. The good news: free or cheap disposal options exist everywhere.

Your best option depends on the TV type. Flat-screen LCD/LED TVs are lightweight and accepted nearly everywhere. Old CRT (tube) TVs are heavier, contain more lead, and fewer places accept them. CRT disposal often costs more because of the hazardous materials inside.

Yes. Best Buy is the most accessible TV recycling option in the US with 1,000+ locations.

Best Buy accepts flat-screen TVs (LCD, LED, plasma, OLED) up to 50 inches for free. TVs larger than 50 inches cost $29.99 in select states (Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan). Limit: 3 items per household per day.

For CRT (tube) TVs, Best Buy accepts sets 31 inches and smaller. Larger CRTs are not accepted at most locations. Call your local store to confirm before loading a heavy CRT into your car.

Best Buy does not offer pickup — you must bring the TV to the store. Drop it off at the customer service desk or designated recycling area near the front entrance.

No. TVs are banned from regular trash and landfills in 25+ states including California, New York, Illinois, Connecticut, and all of New England.

Even in states without explicit bans, most trash haulers refuse TVs in curbside pickup because of liability for hazardous materials. Your trash collector will leave it on the curb untouched.

Fines for illegal TV disposal range from $100 (first offense) to $1,000+ in states like California and New York. The cheapest legal disposal option is free (Best Buy drop-off or municipal e-waste events), so there is no reason to risk a fine.

City bulk pickup programs sometimes accept TVs, but many exclude electronics entirely. Check your city waste management site or call 311 before placing a TV at the curb on bulk day.

CRT (tube) TVs are the hardest to dispose of because they contain 4-8 lbs of lead in the glass.

• •Best Buy: Accepts CRTs 31 inches and smaller for free

• •Municipal e-waste events: Accept CRTs of any size, usually free, held 2-6 times per year

• •Certified e-waste recyclers: Search "e-waste recycler near me" or use the EPA's eCycling locator. Fees range from free to $25 for large CRTs

• •Goodwill and Salvation Army: Do NOT accept CRT TVs

• •Staples: Does NOT accept any TVs — only computers, monitors, and printers

If no local options exist, junk removal services handle CRTs. Dropcurb picks up CRT TVs curbside for $79. 1-800-GOT-JUNK charges $150-$300 depending on the load.

Only if it works and is a flat-screen.

Goodwill accepts working flat-screen TVs (LCD, LED, plasma) in good condition with a remote and power cord. They do not accept CRTs, broken screens, or TVs older than 5 years in most locations.

Salvation Army accepts working flat-screen TVs and offers free pickup in many cities — call 1-800-SA-TRUCK to schedule. Same restrictions: no CRTs, must power on and display a picture.

Habitat for Humanity ReStores accept working TVs in some locations. Call your local ReStore to check their current policy.

Do not donate a TV that does not work. Charities pay to dispose of broken electronics — your "donation" costs them money.

Four options cost nothing.

• •Best Buy drop-off: Free for any flat-screen 50 inches and under, and CRTs 31 inches and under. Walk in, hand it over, done

• •Municipal e-waste collection events: Free for all residents. Check your county waste management website for the next scheduled date

• •Manufacturer take-back programs: Samsung, LG, Sony, and other brands offer mail-in or drop-off recycling. Visit the manufacturer website and search "recycling program"

• •List it free online: Working TVs get claimed fast on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Buy Nothing groups. Even older smart TVs with working screens find takers for kids rooms or garages