what to do with old tvs
You have several good, eco‑friendly and even creative options for what to do with old TVs, and the best choice depends on whether they still work and what type they are (CRT vs flat‑screen).
Quick Scoop
- If it still works: sell, donate, or repurpose it as a spare screen.
- If it’s dead: send it to certified e‑waste recycling, not the regular trash.
- CRT “box” TVs: need special handling because of the lead in the glass.
- Flat‑screens: can contain mercury or other hazardous materials and also should go to proper recyclers.
- Feeling crafty: turn the shell into decor, a display case, or even an aquarium.
First Step: Does Your TV Still Work?
If your TV powers on and shows a picture, treat it as a usable device, not junk. That usually means you can pass it on instead of paying someone to take it.
Good options for working TVs :
- Donate it
- Local charities, shelters, churches, schools, and community centers often accept working TVs for common rooms or classrooms.
* Some nationwide thrift organizations (like well‑known charity stores) accept flat‑screens in decent condition.
- Sell or give away
- List on local marketplaces (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Gumtree, etc.), clearly stating age, size, and condition.
* Include model number, screen size, whether it’s 4K or “smart,” and photos from multiple angles to make it attractive.
- Repurpose it at home
- Use it as a computer monitor or second screen in a home office or gaming setup.
* Turn it into a permanent photo/art display for family pictures or digital art in a hallway or guest room.
When It’s Dead: Safe Disposal & Recycling
Old TVs contain hazardous materials, so most places either discourage or outright ban putting them in the regular trash or in a skip/dumpster. Recycling is usually the safest and most legal route.
Main safe options
- Certified e‑waste recycling center
- Many cities have drop‑off sites or special e‑waste days for TVs and electronics.
* Certified recyclers dismantle TVs into plastics, metals, circuit boards, glass, and safely manage hazardous parts like CRT glass or mercury backlights.
- Retailer take‑back programs
- Big electronics or office‑supply chains often run TV recycling programs, sometimes with a small fee.
* Some offer periodic free recycling events for TVs and monitors.
- Manufacturer programs
- Major brands (like LG, Samsung, Sony, TCL and others) run mail‑back or drop‑off recycling schemes in many regions.
* Their partners are typically licensed recyclers that know how to handle different TV types.
- Junk removal / collection service
- Some local haulers or zero‑waste companies offer TV pickup and guarantee responsible recycling.
* These services are handy for very large or heavy TVs, though there may be a per‑item fee.
Special Case: Old CRT “Box” TVs
Cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs are bulky, heavy, and contain several pounds of lead in the glass, plus other chemicals that can contaminate soil and water if dumped.
Key points for CRTs:
- Do not put them in regular trash or general skips; many areas explicitly ban this.
- Look specifically for recyclers that handle CRTs and follow standards or certifications.
- Certified facilities dismantle them in stages: removing plastic shells, wiring, boards, then processing the leaded tube in a controlled environment.
Flat‑Screen TVs: LCD, LED, Plasma, OLED
Flat‑screens feel less “toxic,” but they still can have hazardous components (like mercury in older LCD backlights or flame retardants in plastics).
What typically happens at a recycler:
- The frame and stand are removed and sorted as plastics or metals.
- The screen/backlight assembly is opened; mercury‑containing or fragile parts are isolated and treated under regulation (for older LCDs).
- Circuit boards, wiring, and speakers are separated for metal recovery.
Even if your local rules feel relaxed, using an e‑waste stream instead of general trash keeps those materials out of landfills.
Creative & DIY Upcycling Ideas
If you’re into DIY, an old TV—especially a chunky CRT—can become a quirky decor piece.
Popular upcycles:
- Retro aquarium: Remove all internal electronics and convert the shell into a fish tank with a “vintage TV” look.
- Display case or bookshelf: Use the emptied shell as a mini shelf or display box for plants or collectibles.
- Ambient light or art box: Install LED strips and use it as a glowing art frame or mood lamp.
Just be sure the gutting is done safely (unplugged, in a ventilated area, and ideally by someone who knows how to discharge old electronics).
Quick HTML Table Overview
| TV condition/type | Best option | Why it makes sense |
|---|---|---|
| Working flat-screen | Donate, sell, or use as spare monitor/digital display | [4][9][5]Extends device life, avoids waste, may earn a bit of money | [9][4][5]
| Working CRT | Donate (if accepted) or give away locally | [3][5]Still useful to some users; keeps hazardous glass out of landfills longer | [5][3]
| Dead or badly damaged TV | Certified e-waste recycler or retailer take-back | [1][3][5][6]Safely handles toxic materials, recovers metals and plastics | [2][3][6]
| Very old CRT “box” TV | Specialized CRT recycling facility or municipal e-waste program | [7][3][6]Contains leaded glass; often illegal in regular trash | [3][6][7]
| Any TV, if you like DIY | Upcycle into aquarium, display case, or decor | [1]Fun project, keeps materials in use instead of being thrown away | [1]
Forum & “Trending” Angle
In recent years, online forums and local Facebook groups have had recurring threads where people swap old TVs for free or ask how to get rid of giant CRTs nobody wants to move. There’s also more awareness about the environmental impact of e‑waste, so posts about e‑waste collection days and retailer drop‑offs tend to get a lot of traction each time a city announces a new event.
You’ll often see advice like:
“If it turns on, give it away; if it doesn’t, pay a recycler so it doesn’t end up poisoning a river somewhere.”
Since mid‑2020s coverage of e‑waste has grown, many guides now emphasize that millions of unused CRTs are still sitting in homes and need careful disposal, not just a quick dump run.
Bottom note
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
