Don’t Throw Away Your Television
Our growing dependence on electronics products both at home and in the workplace has given rise to a new environmental challenge: Electronic waste (e-waste). The U.S. EPA recently announced a 30 percent increase in electronics recycling through its Plug-In to eCycling program, with more than 66.5 million pounds of used electronics recycled in 2008.
Research indicates that e-waste is growing at three times the rate of other municipal waste. For example, in 2005 an estimated 26 to 37 million computers became obsolete and about 345,000 to 379,000 tons were recycled, according to the EPA.
Our TVs are part of this growing e-waste problem. Electronic circuit boards, batteries and color cathode ray tubes (CRTs) can contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium. If improperly handled or disposed, these toxins can be released into the environment through landfill leachate or incinerator ash.
Responsible recycling of your TV will help mediate the risks of disposing of this common household electronic device. In fact, in just one year, more than 112 million pounds of valuable materials were recovered from disposed electronics, such as steel, glass, plastic and precious metals.
Don’t throw away your television, recycle it! Use Earth911.com recycling database to find a location near you.
- "FACT SHEET: MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC WASTE IN THE UNITED STATES" U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008 http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/docs/fact7-08.pdf.
pkamysz
posted on May 28th, 2007 at 10:44 am
I have a TV, stereo system and speakers that I’d love to recycle but Staples does not accept these types of electronics. I don’t want to throw them in the trash, so are there any other ideas for proper disposal or recycling in the greater Seattle area?
playmytune
posted on June 12th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
I would also like to find out where to take old televisions. I have one that is very big and would like to recycle it. I live in the McHenry, IL area.
catsav
posted on June 23rd, 2007 at 7:27 am
playmytune: Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (swalco.org) does electronics recycling events all the time. Check their website for dates and locations. You can take your TV to one of their electronics collections.
cynthia
posted on August 12th, 2007 at 11:37 am
I want to dispose of tv in Bellevue, WA, zipcode 98005. Any suggestions as to where and how to do this in an earth friendly way? Thanks
Mark Rappaport
posted on August 13th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Cynthia, in the “Find a Recycling Center” box at the top of this page,type in Television on the left, type in your zip code on the right, hit enter, and view the results. If you have any problem finding a location to take your TV send me an email.
cjc9024
posted on August 27th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Once I paid $100 to a Dallas recycling center to get rid of a TRUCKLOAD of computer stuff that I picked up from my suburban community – monitors, PC cases full of motherboards and hard drives, printers, etc. But that place would also NOT TAKE A TV! I asked why, since they took computer monitors and they are almost like a TV. As far as I know the electronics is the same, but a TV includes a tuner. Maybe the tuner has a special chemical in it that computer monitors don’t. That’s the only explanation I can think of.
I live in Fort Worth now and haven’t found out if they actually take TV’s. It’s disappointing that Staples won’t. If I type in “Television” and my zip code, I only get links to Goodwill, and they only take WORKING TVs.
By 2009 there is going to be a HUGE problem – when TV goes from analog to digital, and now millions of analog TVs will be obsolete – where is the government program to recycle these? I’m thinking of writing my congresspersons and senators about this issue..I suggest you do the same.
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posted on August 31st, 2007 at 11:21 am
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mcwattc
posted on September 26th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
Why is it always (usually) assumed that old TVs have to go into waste. What are the options for very functional TV besides waste?
tv recycling
posted on April 27th, 2008 at 8:30 am
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posted on May 9th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
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Dennis
posted on October 28th, 2008 at 4:52 am
I have heard that old picture tubes, such as in my 84 Mitsubishi, and my 85 Quasar, had mercury in their picture tubes, which I have been told is why many had lifetime warranties, and why my Mitsubishi has never needed a picture tube replacement. I would also like to find places that will take good picture tubes, perhaps for use in other vintage sets – as these picture tubes are expensive to buy, and probably hard to find. I have finally ordered a Toshiba LCD 19″, as it will save about half the energy cost of my 19″ Mitsubishi – which had its first repair ever a year or two ago – a tuner – which is what it apparently needs again.
I am still not convinced I will like the picture on the Toshiba as much as my old Mitsubishi – I may end up getting in repaired again after all, and giving the new Toshiba to my mom, or using it elsewhere.
Renee
posted on November 11th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I also have a problem with were to get rid of my old televisions. I have two very large non-working 32″ TVs that I would like to get rid of. The two places mentioned on Earth911 (Office Depot) only take TVs 19″ and smaller. Any ideas?
Doris
posted on November 15th, 2008 at 8:50 am
I have a 32 Tv does not work can not find a recycling place where can I take the Tv at. Please help me find a recycing.I live in Houston ,Texas 77015
David
posted on November 19th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Your e-waste recycle provider should take your TV. I hate it when an organization accepts all of your valuable computers and like and refuses TV’s. Then the local government must pay someone like my self to recycle your TV at your expense. Think of it this way, every two or three computers can pay the proper disposal of a television. So use a provider that chargers minimal for TV’s and accepts all e-waste. They are soldiers of proper electronics recycling, and are not becoming millionaires overnight by illegally exporting e-waste.
If Santa Brings Your Home a New Digital TV, What Will You Do with your Old One? | Albuquerque Real Estate News
posted on December 5th, 2008 at 11:51 am
[...] can search through Earth 911’s database of recycling, disposal, and donation alternatives. Just enter your ZIP code and get a list of options instantly. There are several for ABQ! Need more? Look through the [...]
AL
posted on December 10th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Hello there. If you have an old tv with the two little screws in the back for antenna connection you can connect a $1 little thing called a transformer. It connects to the two little screws and has a female coaxial connector which you can connect to your cable or to a DTV box thereby you can KEEP USING your current tv instead of having to get rid of it until the lifetime of that tv or until you decide to get rid of it! just a FYI! :)
AK
posted on December 30th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Yet again, I found no recycling programs other than donation to the local thrift store in Alaska. Office Depot was listed as having a Tech Recycling Program through this site. When I called, they stated the program does not run in Alaska….I have a TV, computer and monitor that are inoperable. I am stuck with either throwing them in the trash or paying $50 each to put them in the hazardous waste recycling program which happens once or twice a year…I hate to say it but I cannot afford to pay $150 to recycle these items (all of which were given to us and quit working shortly after). I am torn between trashing them and recycling them.
%%^^&&*%^&*
posted on January 1st, 2009 at 2:59 pm
What does copper do to the environment when it is leaked from batteries? I am asking u because i am not able to figure out! also, what else leaks out of batteries that causes carcinogens? Email me!
carol O'Donoghue
posted on January 17th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
I want to recycle my television and have tried the Office Depot stores as it says to on 911…they all say no (unless you have a very small tv) I called all of the other numbers with no answer. Orange Park/Jacksonville Florida. Help
Mary
posted on January 20th, 2009 at 11:34 am
I have an old TV I would like to get rid of. It still works, but it is the old console type and probably uses a lot of precious electricity. I live in Rensselaer, NY (12144). Can you offer some advice on who could come a take it away? I am not capable of lifing it myself.
Mona Metzger
posted on January 28th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Check out your city’s recycling program. For those of you in the City of Houston, there is the information and links:
Electronic Scrap Recycling
Residential electronic scrap items accepted by the City of Houston are monitors, televisions, printers, keyboards, mice, scanners, fax machines, telephone handsets, VCRs, CPUs, cellular phones without batteries and other small consumer electronics.
Computers and related components contain hazardous materials that can leach into a community’s water supply. Cathode ray tubes (CRTs), circuit boards, batteries, and mercury switches contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, cadmium and chromium.
Electronic scrap items can be dropped off at the Westpark Consumer Recycling Center or the Environmental Service Center (South and North).
The City of Houston website: http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/recycling.html
Westpark Consumer Recycling Center location: http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/westpark.html
John Sterling
posted on February 1st, 2009 at 8:49 am
I need to get rid of my old TV and a few old computer circuit boards and power supplies. Nobody wants this crap, so it is doing into the dumpster.
Attempting to recycle is waste of time and effort.
BJ Embree
posted on February 17th, 2009 at 10:10 am
I got on your website to recycle an old TV with a burnt picture tube and the only place was 25 mi away and they won’t take broken sets. I called the local landfill and they wanted me to pay $15 for the priviledge. The recycle pickup won’t take it until September and it’s only February!!!! It’s taking up valuable space in my already crowded garage. I’ve decided to let my daughter put it in the back of her pickup and leave it at her apartment complex for someone to steal!!!!!
Name
posted on March 6th, 2009 at 7:08 am
You are right, do not throw away your old TV or stereo, but do not recycle it either! You will do much more for the environment if you continue using it further instead of throwing away/recycling buying a new one!
Also it is NOT always true that newer TVs consume less energy than old ones. A 12 inch monochrome portable transistor TV consumes about 30 watts, while a modern plasma consumes 350!
Transition to digital television is also not reason to replace the whole TV set. There exist set-top boxes which can make any old TV receive digital. And used (second-hand) set top boxes are even better for environment than new ones.
Big Light Space » Blog Archive » Plastic Recycling Facts - earth911
posted on May 25th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
[...] Don’t Throw Away Your Television No Comments RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL Leave a comment [...]
When it’s time for gadgets to go | New Emerging Markets
posted on May 28th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
[...] There are alternatives to tossing electronics, and some people are catching on. According to a post on Earth 911, [...]
Amy
posted on June 7th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
You should look for companies such as Midwest Computer Brokers (http://www.mcbia.com/) they have a machine that breaks down Tv’s, monitors, and other electronics with mercury. They charge anywhere from 10-20 bucks depending on size, but atleast they don’t end up in the landfill. (This store is in Walford, IA) the Cedar Rapids, IA landfill also recycles TVs and such, but you have to pay for that also. Although, they are charging you what they have to pay so they don’t make any money off it, I know this because my father Used to work at MCB.
Look for electronic recycle centers such as MCB in your areas so you can recycle these things
Pat
posted on June 14th, 2009 at 5:44 am
I have a non-working console TV in my basement that I want to get rid of and I don’t want to put it out for the garbage but as a senior citizen I can’t afford to have someone pickit up or pay the recyclying fee. Are there any free pick ups in my area. I live in Detroit, MI.
Triskelion
posted on June 17th, 2009 at 11:40 am
Funny how articles dont tell you everything.
They mention CRT’s having hazardous materials and we would “THINK” that these new flat panels are safe but got a rude awakening when i had installed a flat panel monitor on someones computer desk to read a label at hte base that says “this monitor contains mercury, please dispose properly”. I’m sure not all companies report this.
Triskelion
posted on June 17th, 2009 at 11:49 am
Amazing..everyone talks about tv’s and computers and computer monitors and the digital transition that just happened. I’m sure there will be more VCR’s going head first into the dumpsters because those DTV converters will not allow multiple unattended channel recording. Also all those hand held tv’s that might not have a jack for an external antenna/coaxial connector will be going to the dumpster too. Im sure all these add up as far as waste and chemicals leeching into the ground.
I aggree with some of the people that the government and major corporations should do a lot more to help with recycling. They should take the responsibility to take back these items. I also dont feel that people SHOULD have to PAY to get items recycled because what happens is that the companies retrieve these things and use the resources inside them to make more items therefore make MONEY from it so why have the end user pay?
This recycling thing is getting way too frustrated..they need to wake up before everyone just gives up. OH WAIT..by then the time will come that the end user will be FINED for not recycling!
More moneyt o be made by the government!
Wow, I have some idiot neighbours - Page 2 - London Moms
posted on July 20th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
[...] to be recycled….but it depends on where you live. Links! -Recycle that old TV | Yahoo! Green -Don’t Throw Away Your Television – Earth911.com __________________ For some people being stupid is a full time [...]
VivianSova
posted on August 4th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
I have a projection tv that i took the guts out of , all the parts. Wanting to know why I could not recoup some of the value of the parts inside this thing, I called the local tv repair man and asked if he would want them. He said yes I would but ….I won’t pay you for them! Well I then decided to call another repair service out of town and who also sells parts to the first guy and asked how much for a projection tv picture tube? $300 each was his answer and the liquids for each about $285 etc. So that told me right there that…..there is a lot of money inside all these now obsolete tv’s out there that someone is making a killing on and it is not the people who are told they have to pay $25-and up to dispose of them at the local recycling plant. Namely you or I the consumers.
I am hanging on to these things even if they have dangerous liguids in them and waithing till we are given a place at the table to recoupe some of our losses from the switch in technology that has been dumped on us by the companies and the government. I want cash for my scrap goods…..not charged for delivering them to a recycling center that sells them to overseas companies in Asia for the gold and silver metals in them or the parts that are still as good as they day we bought them!
I am tired of the way business is done with electronics in this country. Half the time you can’t figure out how to work them and the other half the time you have to pay through the nose to have them repaired just like the auto industry has done to the driving public. Its a rip off . We are tired of the use it and then dump it attidudes that this fosters and the attitude that the consumer is just a slave to this kind of business model. Lets have some answers that make sense to those of us who are the consuming public on these matters. There is a huge demand NOW for a place and a way to dispose of these products and parts that is not lining someone elses pockets at AGAIN the consumers expense.
sheila
posted on October 3rd, 2009 at 8:41 am
I have an old tv to junk where can i take it for proper disposal any one?
Sophie
posted on October 18th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
In Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, Total Reclaim can recycling TVs and other electronics. http://www.totalreclaim.com