Your old TV sits in the garage collecting dust. You want it gone but dumping it curbside breaks the law in most states. TVs contain toxic materials like lead and mercury that contaminate landfills. You need a proper television recycling drop off location that accepts screens safely and legally. The challenge is finding one nearby that fits your schedule and budget.
This guide shows you 5 places to recycle your TV right now. You’ll discover free options at big box stores, paid drop offs through city programs, and certified e-waste recyclers that handle pickups. Each section breaks down what screens they accept, typical costs, operating hours, and how to locate facilities in your area. We start with planning your TV upgrade through Electronic Spree, then cover the most convenient recycling options to match your situation.
1. Plan your upgrade with Electronic Spree
Recycling your old television works best when you pair disposal with replacement. Electronic Spree stocks over 300 brands of TVs at competitive prices, letting you shop for your next screen while planning your recycling trip. You save time by handling both tasks in one weekend instead of dealing with disposal first and scrambling for a new TV later.
How Electronic Spree supports TV recycling
Electronic Spree makes upgrading simple by offering fast delivery on new televisions while you arrange your television recycling drop off. Their price guarantee ensures you get competitive rates on replacement screens from brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony. You can browse their selection online, compare features, and have your new TV arrive within days of placing your order.
Who should pair Electronic Spree with drop off
This approach works for anyone replacing a broken TV or upgrading to a larger screen. You benefit most if you want to minimize downtime between removing your old set and installing a new one. Families who rely on their TV daily appreciate coordinating delivery timing with their recycling appointment.
Planning both purchases and disposal together eliminates the gap when your living room sits empty.
Costs, savings, and timing your upgrade
Electronic Spree runs seasonal deals that can offset recycling fees at drop off centers. You might pay $10 to recycle an old TV but save $50 or more on your new purchase through their promotions. Timing your order to arrive the day after your recycling trip ensures seamless setup without storage hassles.
2. Big box electronics store drop offs
Major electronics retailers offer television recycling drop off services at most store locations nationwide. Best Buy operates the largest program, accepting screens at every location with no appointment required. Stores like Staples and Micro Center also run recycling programs, though their availability varies by region. You drive up, unload your TV, and staff handle the rest during regular business hours.
How big box store TV recycling works
You pull into a designated recycling area near the store entrance. Staff members unload your television from your vehicle and transport it to their collection zone. The process takes under five minutes in most cases. Best Buy accepts items even if you’re not making a purchase that day, making it convenient for quick drop offs.
What they accept and common restrictions
These stores take CRT TVs, flat screens, and plasma displays regardless of size or condition. Most programs limit you to three items per day per household to prevent commercial dumping. Your TV must remain intact with the screen unbroken. Retailers refuse partially disassembled units or screens with severe damage that creates safety hazards.
Big box stores handle disposal through certified recyclers who extract valuable materials and properly dispose of toxic components.
Typical fees and how to find locations
Best Buy charges no fees for most electronics but may apply costs for certain large TVs depending on your state regulations. Visit their store locator online to confirm your nearest participating location and current fee structure. Call ahead if you’re recycling multiple televisions to verify daily limits and operating hours.
3. City and county recycling centers
Local municipalities operate television recycling drop off sites specifically for residents within their service areas. These government-run centers accept electronics as part of broader waste management programs. You typically drive to a designated facility during posted hours and unload your TV at a collection point staffed by county employees. Check your local government website or call your waste management department to locate the nearest center.
How city and county drop offs operate
Most county facilities run drop off events on specific days or maintain permanent collection sites during limited hours. You present proof of residency like a driver’s license or utility bill before entering the recycling area. Staff direct you to the electronics section where workers unload your television. Some counties require advance registration through online portals, while others accept walk-ups during operating hours.
What TVs and screens they take
Municipal centers accept CRT televisions, flat screens, and projection TVs regardless of brand or age. Your screen must arrive intact without major damage. Counties handle computer monitors, laptop screens, and tablet displays under the same programs. Most facilities refuse commercial electronics from businesses due to licensing restrictions and insurance limitations.
Government recycling programs partner with certified processors who recover metals and safely handle toxic components according to EPA standards.
Fees, schedules, and how to check your area
Fees vary by location and TV type. Many counties charge $10 per CRT television but accept flat screens free. Visit your county’s official website and search for "electronics recycling" to find schedules, accepted items, and current pricing. Call ahead to confirm hours during holidays when centers often close unexpectedly.
4. Certified e waste recyclers and haulers
Specialized recycling companies focus exclusively on electronic waste disposal and offer more flexible options than retail stores or government centers. These certified businesses operate drop off facilities, pickup services, and mobile collection events throughout most metro areas. You find them by searching online for "certified e-waste recycler" plus your city name or by checking your state’s environmental agency website for approved processors. Private recyclers handle commercial and residential electronics with equal attention to environmental safety.
How certified e waste recyclers work
Certified recyclers maintain permanent facilities where you deliver televisions during business hours without appointments. They process electronics through documented destruction methods that meet environmental standards and comply with state laws. Many companies also schedule home pickups for a fee, eliminating the need to transport heavy TVs yourself. Staff provide receipts showing proper disposal for your records, which matters if you run a business requiring waste documentation.
Drop off, pickup, and data security
You drop off televisions at their facility Monday through Saturday, typically between 8 AM and 5 PM. Pickup services cost $50 to $150 depending on TV size and your location within their service area. These recyclers handle data destruction for smart TVs and devices with memory, ensuring your streaming accounts and personal information stay protected.
Professional e-waste recyclers hold R2 or e-Stewards certification, proving they follow strict environmental and data security protocols.
Pricing, weight limits, and certifications to look for
Drop off fees range from free to $25 per TV, with larger screens costing more. Some recyclers charge by weight, typically $0.30 to $0.50 per pound for all electronics combined. Look for companies displaying R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards certification on their websites. These credentials guarantee they don’t export hazardous materials overseas and follow EPA guidelines for television recycling drop off processing.
5. Manufacturer and mail back programs
Television brands operate take back programs that let you ship old screens directly to their recycling partners. Companies like Samsung, LG, and Sony maintain partnerships with certified processors who handle disposal once your TV arrives. You request a shipping label through the manufacturer’s website, pack your television in a sturdy box, and drop it at a shipping carrier. This option works best when you lack nearby television recycling drop off locations or prefer handling disposal from home.
How manufacturer take back programs work
You visit the manufacturer’s website and navigate to their recycling or sustainability section. Fill out a form listing your TV model and address. The company emails you a prepaid shipping label within a few days. Print the label, attach it to your packaged television, and schedule a pickup with the carrier or drop the box at their location.
What brands and models qualify
Most major brands accept their own products only, though some programs take competing brands. Samsung takes screens 32 inches and smaller through mail back services. LG restricts their program to specific model lines released within the last decade. Check each manufacturer’s website for current eligibility requirements since programs change annually.
Shipping, packaging, and possible costs
Shipping stays free for qualifying models when you use the provided label. You pay for packaging materials like boxes, foam inserts, and tape, typically costing $15 to $30 for adequate protection. Screens larger than 50 inches rarely qualify because shipping costs exceed recycling value.
Manufacturer programs ensure your TV returns to the original maker’s recycling network, maximizing material recovery rates.
Next steps
You now know where to find a television recycling drop off location that fits your schedule and budget. Start by checking your county’s recycling program website for the nearest permanent drop off site. Big box stores like Best Buy offer walk-in recycling during regular hours without appointments, making them ideal for quick disposal.
Schedule your recycling trip before shopping for a replacement screen. Browse Electronic Spree’s TV selection to compare prices and features from over 300 brands. Their fast delivery and seasonal deals help you offset recycling fees while upgrading to a modern screen. Match your new TV’s arrival date with your drop off appointment to minimize downtime in your home entertainment setup.
Call your chosen facility before loading your vehicle to confirm current hours and any size restrictions they enforce.
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