TV
What Should I Do With It?
Flat-screen televisions are classified as electronic waste, meaning they are strictly prohibited from standard household garbage and curbside recycling. Many older models manufactured before 2009 rely on backlighting that contains toxic mercury, while newer screens contain other hazardous heavy metals and chemical flame retardants that can easily leach into soil and groundwater if left to break down in a landfill. To dispose of your television safely, utilize local electronic waste drop-off programs or certified recycling events. If your television is over fifty inches, remember to call the collection facility ahead of time to verify their size limits, as some programs require special pickup arrangements for oversized items. For functional televisions, donating them to local community groups or thrift stores is an excellent way to keep them in use and prevent waste entirely.
Safety First
This item contains chemicals, heavy metals, or batteries that can be dangerous. Throwing it in your regular trash can cause fires, hurt sanitation workers, or leak harmful chemicals into the environment.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.