How to Dispose of Old Electronics and TVs
Electronics (e-waste) such as televisions, laptops, printers, and computer monitors contain toxic heavy metals including lead, mercury, and cadmium. Over 25 states ban electronics from municipal landfills, making curbside trash disposal illegal in most cities.
Check your municipal guide for specific e-waste depot locations and designated drop-off hours. Always verify your local municipal hauler requirements before placing large items at the curb.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Perform a factory reset and securely wipe any storage drives on laptops, tablets, phones, and smart TVs before recycling.
Most public works departments host monthly e-waste collection events or accept electronics at county transfer stations at little to no charge.
Major electronics retailers like Best Buy and Staples accept TVs, cords, cables, computers, and appliances for recycling regardless of where they were purchased.
Computers less than five years old and functional flat-screen televisions are welcome donations at local schools, shelters, and community centers.
⚠️ Important Rules to Avoid Fines & Hazards
- Do not place televisions, computer monitors, or circuit boards inside curbside rolling trash or recycling carts.
- Cathode ray tube (CRT) vintage televisions contain up to 8 pounds of lead and require specialized hazardous electronics processing.
- Never crush or puncture electronics that contain built-in rechargeable batteries.
Our directory covers 164 verified US cities with direct contact numbers, hauler websites, and neighborhood collection rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are electronics banned from regular trash carts?▼
When electronics are crushed in landfills, toxic heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium) leach into groundwater tables, and lithium batteries risk catching fire in collection trucks.
Does Best Buy charge to recycle old TVs?▼
Best Buy recycles most small electronics for free, but charges a modest recycling fee (typically 29.99 dollars) for larger tube and flat-screen televisions to cover handling costs.
What do I do with charging cords and power cables?▼
Power cords, USB cables, and extension cords are known as tanglers and jam municipal recycling sorting equipment. Recycle them at retail e-waste bins rather than curbside blue bins.