Goodwill's TV acceptance policy has gotten stricter since 2020 as the cost of disposing old electronics has increased. As of 2026, most Goodwill stores accept working flat-panel TVs (LED, LCD, plasma) less than 7 years old, but REFUSE CRT TVs (the old tube-style), broken TVs, and very old/large display devices. This guide covers what Goodwill accepts, why they refuse some items, and where to take the refused TVs.
What Goodwill accepts (most US locations)
| Item | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|
| Flat-panel TV (LED, LCD), 5-7 years old, working | YES | Most locations accept |
| Flat-panel TV (LED, LCD), 1-4 years old, working | YES | Higher resale potential |
| Smart TVs (Roku, Apple TV built-in) | YES | Working condition only |
| Plasma TVs | Sometimes | Older plasma rejected; newer plasma (2018+) sometimes accepted |
| Working CRT TV (under 27 inches) | NO | Refused - lead content + low resale value |
| CRT TV (large) | NO | Refused - liability + disposal cost |
| Projection TVs (old style) | NO | Refused - too large + outdated |
| Broken flat-panel TV | NO | Goodwill can't fix or resell |
| TVs with cracked screens | NO | Refused |
| TVs missing remote | YES (sometimes) | Lower resale; some stores still take |
| TVs that won't connect to Wi-Fi | YES if otherwise working | OK if HDMI input works |
| OLED TVs | YES | Premium resale value |
| 8K TVs (newer) | YES | Premium resale |
| Old computer monitors (CRT) | NO | Same lead issue as CRT TVs |
Why Goodwill refuses CRT TVs
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TVs contain 4-8 lbs of lead in the glass funnel. Disposal involves:
- Specialized handling to prevent lead release
- Hazardous waste disposal cost ($25-$75 per CRT)
- Recycler buyback: $0 (no profit, only cost)
- Liability if disposed improperly (EPA penalties under Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)
Goodwill's economic model requires items that can be resold for $5+. CRT TVs cost more to dispose of than they're worth, so they're refused. The same applies to:
- Old projection TVs
- Older heavy plasma TVs (pre-2015)
- Computer monitors (CRT or pre-2010 LCD)
- Most pre-2018 TVs of any type
Where to take Goodwill-refused TVs
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|
| Best Buy recycling | $25-$50 for CRT, free for flat-panel | All US stores; max 3 items per day |
| County HHW facility | Free | Monthly events accept any TV |
| Sims Recycling Solutions | $25-$50 for pickup | Bulk + commercial |
| Local e-waste recycler | $25-$50 for CRT, free for flat-panel | Find via earth911.com/search |
| Mail-back program (TerraCycle Zero Waste Box) | $100-$250 | Holds 1-2 TVs depending on size |
| Sell on eBay or Facebook Marketplace (working only) | Variable payout | Newer TVs sell for $50-$1,000+ |
| Local Habitat for Humanity ReStore | Free | Accepts working flat-panel TVs |
TV trade-in: still possible for newer models
For TVs less than 5 years old in working condition, trade-in may be available:
- Best Buy Trade-In - online quote, mail-in
- Amazon Trade-In - some TV brands
- Back Market - newer flat-panel TVs
- Local repair shops - sometimes buy working but cosmetically damaged TVs for parts/refurb
Typical trade-in payout for 2-3 year-old 50-inch 4K TV in good condition: $80-$250.
What about Goodwill accepting working computers?
Goodwill accepts working laptops + desktops + Chromebooks at most US locations. Same restrictions as TVs - working condition only, less than 7 years old. Working computers are GREAT donations (Goodwill resells them as Dell Reconnect partner items - Dell wipes them + refurbs them). Older computers + broken devices: take to Best Buy, Staples, or HHW.
Where to donate working TVs (besides Goodwill)
If your local Goodwill won't take a working TV, alternatives include:
- Salvation Army - similar acceptance rules to Goodwill
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore - more flexible; accepts more conditions
- Local domestic violence shelters - high need; call ahead
- Senior centers + nursing homes - sometimes accept for common rooms
- Schools + classrooms - K-12 teachers sometimes need second TVs
- Local Facebook Marketplace "Free" listings - quick reaching for working TVs you don't want to sell
What's in a TV (for the curious)
A typical 50-inch flat-panel TV contains:
- LCD panel + backlight: 2-4 lbs of glass + plastic
- Circuit board: 0.5-1 lb with recoverable copper + gold + small precious metals
- Power supply: 0.5-1 lb of copper + steel
- Speakers: 0.2-0.5 lb of magnets + copper coils
- Frame + housing: 4-8 lbs of plastic + metal mix
- Cables + connectors: 0.3-0.6 lb of copper + plastic
Total recoverable value at scrap: $2-$8 per TV. The remaining 5-10 lbs is mixed plastic + glass that ends in landfill or specialty processing.
Cost benchmarks (USA, May 2026)
- Goodwill donation (working flat-panel): free, receipt for $20-$200 tax deduction
- Best Buy CRT recycling: $25-$50 fee
- Best Buy flat-panel recycling: free
- County HHW: free for any TV
- TerraCycle Zero Waste Box: $100-$250 per box
- New 55-inch 4K TV replacement: $300-$1,500
Sources
- Goodwill Industries 2024 Annual Report
- US EPA Universal Waste Rule 40 CFR Part 273 (CRT lead-content classification)
- Best Buy Recycling Program annual statistics
- US Department of Energy display technology data
- Goodwill regional acceptance policies (varies by state)
Last verified: 2026-05-23. Goodwill's acceptance policy varies by region and individual store - confirm with your local Goodwill before transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Goodwill take old TVs?
Goodwill accepts working flat-panel TVs (LED, LCD, plasma) less than 7 years old at most US locations. REFUSES: CRT TVs (lead content, no resale value), broken TVs, TVs with cracked screens, very old/large display devices (projection TVs, old plasma), and TVs that won't power on. Working OLED TVs and 8K TVs are particularly welcome (high resale value).
Why doesn't Goodwill take CRT TVs?
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TVs contain 4-8 lbs of lead in the glass funnel. Disposal costs $25-$75 per CRT and resale value is near $0 - they cost more to dispose of than they're worth. Goodwill's economic model requires items that resell for $5+. Take CRTs to Best Buy ($25-$50 fee), County HHW (free), or specialized e-waste recyclers.
Where can I take a non-working TV?
If Goodwill refuses your TV: Best Buy recycling (CRT $25-$50 fee, flat-panel free, max 3 items/day per US store), County HHW facility (always free for any TV), Sims Recycling Solutions or local e-waste recycler. Mail-back via TerraCycle Zero Waste Box ($100-$250) for those without nearby retail recycling.
Does Goodwill take old computer monitors?
Mostly not - old CRT monitors (the heavy tube-style) refused for same reason as CRT TVs (lead content, low resale). Older LCD monitors (pre-2010) usually refused. Newer flat-panel monitors in working condition: accepted at most US Goodwill locations. Working monitors are good donations - Goodwill resells them as Dell Reconnect partner items.
Can I sell my old flat-panel TV?
Yes if it's less than 5 years old and in working condition. Best Buy Trade-In offers online quote + mail-in payment. Amazon Trade-In accepts some TV brands. Decluttr accepts newer flat-panel TVs. Local repair shops sometimes buy working but cosmetically damaged TVs for parts/refurb. Typical trade-in for 2-3 year-old 50-inch 4K TV in good condition: $80-$250.
What do recyclers do with old TVs?
Sorted by type + condition. Working TVs (30-50% of intake) refurbished + resold. Broken TVs disassembled: LCD panel (2-4 lbs glass + plastic), circuit board (with recoverable copper + gold + precious metals worth $0.50-$2 per TV), power supply (copper + steel), housing (mixed plastic). Total recoverable value at scrap: $2-$8 per TV. The rest is specialty processing or landfill.
Does Goodwill accept broken TVs?
No - Goodwill can't fix or resell broken TVs. Refusing broken TVs is universal at all US Goodwill locations. Take broken TVs to Best Buy (free for flat-panel, $25-$50 for CRT), County HHW facility (always free), or specialized e-waste recyclers. The TV's recoverable metal + plastic value (typically $2-$8) doesn't justify Goodwill's disposal cost.
What about old plasma TVs?
Most pre-2015 plasma TVs are REFUSED at Goodwill (heavy, outdated, low resale value). Newer plasma TVs (2018+) sometimes accepted in working condition. Take refused plasma to Best Buy (free for flat-panel including plasma), County HHW, or specialty e-waste recycler. Some plasma TVs may have higher disposal handling fees because of size + weight.
Does Goodwill accept TVs without a remote?
Sometimes - acceptance varies by store. Some Goodwill locations accept TVs missing the remote (lower resale value, but still functional via HDMI input). Other locations require all original accessories. Smart TVs often have manufacturer apps that replace the physical remote. Call your local Goodwill before transporting to confirm their specific policy.
How much does it cost to recycle a TV?
Working flat-panel TV: typically free at Best Buy, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, or via trade-in (which may pay you). CRT TV: $25-$50 fee at Best Buy, free at County HHW facility. Mail-back (TerraCycle Zero Waste Box) holds 1-2 TVs for $100-$250. Local e-waste recycler: $25-$50 for CRT, often free for flat-panel.