How to safely dispose of your old TV
A TV isn't something you can throw into the trash once you're done with it. Here's what you should take into consideration before getting rid of that old panel.
You can't just throw electronics into your trash bin, especially if it's something as large and potentially hazardous as a television. TVs can contain materials like lead and mercury, which can damage your health and the environment if they're released.
If you want to dispose of it safely, look up the rules in your local area first. You might be able to drop it off at a local waste management facility, or there may be companies that will pick it up (or schedule drop offs) that can recycle the e-waste responsibly. The EPA runs a certified electronics recyclers program to help you find a recycler you can trust. Rules will vary, so double-check what you'll need to do to properly dispose of a TV and whether you'll need to pay for the privilege.
Retailers are a good option to consider, too. Best Buy, for instance, is willing to accept TVs for recycling at some of its stores, although there are size limits and location-specific restrictions. It also offers a paid haul-away service if you can't get to a local store.
Some manufacturers also run take-back schemes to recycle TVs. LG has drop-offs for recycling its panels, while Samsung has recycling options for different states. Sony, meanwhile, partners with ERI to run a nationwide take-back program to recycle older Sony televisions.
If you can't get your TV picked up, the biggest problem you're going to face is transportation. Big flat-screen TVs can be a two-person job to safely handle. You'll also need to keep it upright during transport, as lying it flat can cause the panel to flex or smash. The original box is great if you still have it, but a blanket and some cardboard can also help you protect it while you move it, too. If another group is picking it up, make sure to follow their instructions around self-packaging.
Older CRT televisions are a whole different matter, however. They are big, bulky, filled with hazardous materials and aren't hugely fond of transportation. You won't want to open it up and breaking the glass isn't a good idea, either.
If you're dealing with a CRT that you can't reuse or sell, collection might be best: Wrap it as best you can, and make sure to move it with at least another person. Whatever you decide to do, the important thing is that your TV gets moved carefully, whether it's off to a new home or a certified e-waste recycler.
Originally published on Engadget
