How to Recycle Your Old TV

As electronics get cheaper and cheaper, Americans are disposing of televisions faster than ever. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, only a small fraction of discarded televisions are recycled, and the rest end up in landfills, where they can leach toxins into the environment. Fortunately, there a number of resources like recycling, donation, and junk removal services to help you responsibly dispose of your television.

One great way to get rid of your old TV is by contacting the store where you plan to purchase your new television. It's easy to inquire if they offer a trade-in program, and if they do, you can recycle your old television and save money on your new one in a single step. If the store doesn't take trade-ins, they may still remove your old television when your new one is delivered. You can also try calling the store where you purchased the television to ask if they offer take-back programs. If they don't, try contacting your TV manufacturer to ask if there's a local drop-off point for electronics recycling.

If you can't trade in your TV or recycle it through retail venues, consider donating it to a local charity if it's in working order. If it isn't in working order, try contacting a local repair shop to ask if they buy old TVs for refurbishing. This way, you may be able to get a little cash for your busted television.

Perhaps donations are out, and a local shop won't take your TV. In that case, you may want to call your local waste management service and ask how electronic waste is handled in your area. Some cities will come pick up TVs, while others may request that you bring it to a central facility.

And, if nothing else, we encourage you to visit Earth 911 to locate a commercial electronics recycler or junk removal service in your area. Some recyclers charge fees or require you to drop off your television-- be sure to call ahead so you can prepare for any money exchanges or transportation. Keep in mind that even if you have to pay a little money to get your old TV recycled, you're keeping toxins out of the air, water, and soil-- which is way more important than saving a couple bucks.

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