Disposing of an old TV — CRT, LCD, plasma or OLED — is restricted in 25 US states because the screens contain lead, mercury or cadmium that cannot enter regular landfill. This guide lists every legal disposal option, what each costs, and which retailers will haul your TV away free with a replacement purchase.
Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team — last updated May 2026
Quick Answer: How to Dispose of a TV
You have five legal options for disposing of an old TV in 2026:
- Best Buy haul-away — free with new TV delivery, $30 standalone in CA/CT/PA
- Big retailer pickup (Costco, Home Depot, Lowe's) — free with new appliance/TV delivery
- Municipal bulk-waste day — every US city offers free heavy-trash pickup, schedule via 311
- Mail-back to manufacturer — Samsung, Sony, LG and Vizio all accept their TVs free
- Certified e-waste recycler — for damaged screens or older CRTs containing lead
In 25 US states, throwing a TV in regular trash is illegal — fines reach $25,000 in California.
TV Disposal Cost
| TV type | Disposal cost | Notes | |---|---|---| | LCD/LED (under 32") | $0-$15 | Most retailers free with delivery | | LCD/LED (32-55") | $0-$25 | $30 in CA, CT, PA at Best Buy | | LCD/LED (over 55") | $25-$60 | Often requires bulky-waste day | | OLED | $0-$30 | Treated same as LCD | | Plasma | $30-$60 | Heavier, sometimes needs special handling | | CRT (any size) | $30-$100 | Lead in tube — special handling required | | Projection / DLP | $50-$150 | Usually needs certified processor |
Free TV Pickup with Replacement
Major retailers offer free haul-away when you purchase and have delivered a replacement TV:
| Retailer | Program | Standalone fee | |---|---|---| | Best Buy | Geek Squad haul-away | $0 with delivery, $30 standalone (CA/CT/PA) | | Costco | Costco Logistics | Free with delivered TV | | Amazon | Amazon Renewed haul-away | Free with delivered new TV | | Walmart | Mass haul-away | Available in select markets | | Sears | Same-day haul-away | $25 standalone |
Manufacturer Mail-Back
Four major TV brands offer free mail-in recycling — request a prepaid shipping label, pack the TV in its original box (or any sturdy box), drop at UPS:
- Samsung Direct Recycling — any Samsung TV, free
- Sony Take-Back — any Sony TV, free
- LG Recycling — any LG TV, free
- Vizio TV Recycling — partnered with eRecycler
Mail-back works best for smaller TVs (under 32"). Larger TVs cost more to ship than to dispose locally.
Where to Recycle a TV in Your City
We maintain dedicated TV-recycling guides for 100+ cities:
CRT TV Disposal: Why It's Different
Old cathode-ray-tube TVs contain 4-8 pounds of lead in the tube glass plus mercury switches in the back. Federal law (RCRA) classifies CRTs as hazardous waste, and 25 states explicitly ban CRT landfill disposal.
CRT disposal options:
- Best Buy accepts CRT TVs but charges $30 in most US states
- Goodwill / Salvation Army — won't take TVs older than 5 years
- Local hazardous waste collection day — usually quarterly, free for residents
- Certified e-waste recycler with R2 or e-Stewards certification — paid drop-off, $20-$60
Never put a CRT in regular trash. The Universal Waste Rule under RCRA classifies CRTs as hazardous, and disposal in landfill is a federal violation in addition to state-level bans.
Buy on Amazon UK
Shop a Replacement TV (US readers)
Sources
- US EPA, Sustainable Materials Management 2025
- Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse, 2026 state-law summary
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 (UNITAR / ITU)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I recycle an old TV for free near me?
Best Buy accepts TVs free at every US location (except California, Connecticut and Pennsylvania, where state law adds a $30 handling fee). With a replacement TV delivery, Costco, Amazon and Walmart will haul your old TV away free. Manufacturer mail-back (Samsung, Sony, LG) is also free for smaller TVs.
How much does it cost to dispose of an old TV?
Free with a replacement TV delivery from most major retailers. Standalone fees: LCD/LED $0-$25 ($30 in CA/CT/PA at Best Buy), CRT $30-$100, projection TV $50-$150. Municipal bulky-waste pickup is free in most US cities.
Can I throw a TV in the trash?
No, in 25 US states it's illegal. California fines up to $25,000 for landfill disposal of TVs. CRT TVs (older tube models) contain 4-8 lb of lead and are federally classified as hazardous waste under RCRA.
Will Best Buy take my old TV?
Yes. Best Buy accepts TVs at every US location for recycling, with a $30 handling fee in California, Connecticut and Pennsylvania (state-mandated). With a replacement TV purchase and Geek Squad delivery, haul-away is free anywhere in the US.
How do I dispose of an old CRT TV?
CRTs contain lead and require special handling. Options: Best Buy ($30), local hazardous-waste collection day (free for residents), or a certified R2/e-Stewards recycler ($20-$60). Never put a CRT in regular trash — it's a federal hazardous-waste violation and a state-law violation in 25 states.