How to Recycle Your TV and Other Electronics

Use any of these services to dispose of your electronics sustainably

What to Know

  • MRM Recycling and EHSO provide free electronics recycling in many states, as does CalRecycle in California.
  • 1-800-Got-Junk? is a pay service that picks up and recycles or disposes of electronic devices.
  • Recycler's World provides information on how to recycle electronics and includes a buyer/seller exchange.

This article answers questions that pop up frequently: Where do I donate an older TV? Can I recycle a TV or computer? We've compiled a list of services and resources to recycle your electronics.

Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company

MRM Recycling, also known as Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Company, works with manufacturers and establishes recycling programs across the United States. What's nice about this website is that you can click on a map of the United States and get a localized view of recycling centers in your area (if they exist). Panasonic, Sharp, and Toshiba founded MRM, but it now has over 20 participating manufacturers.

Recycling plant tellies and monitors Norway.
Johner Royalty-Free / Getty Images

Environmental Health & Safety Online

Environment, Health and Safety Online is a resource for environmental news and information. It includes instructions and recommendations for recycling programs in each state, as well as lists of businesses and services where you can take an old tv, computer, phone, battery, or washing machine to be recycled. EHSO also provides professional guidance for answering questions about air and water pollution, food safety, and building material compounds.

Discarded electronics in crates stacked in recycling center
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1-800-Got-Junk?

1-800-Got-Junk is a private business that charges to remove waste from your home, office, or place of work. They claim to remove almost anything, including old furniture, appliances, electronics, yard waste, and renovation debris.

Workers sort through a pile of used mobile phones in New Delhi, India
Bloomberg Creative Photos / Getty Images

You pay for workers to come and pick up your junk, which is then recycled or donated. They can load junk items wherever they may be, even if it's inside your house. It's a nice solution for those who are unable to move or lift heavy appliances. 1-800-Got-Junk also has a convenient tool to help you estimate how much the service will cost, depending on what you need removed.

CalRecycle

CalRecycle is a recycling resource operated by the state of California. The site shows you where you can recycle your electronics, depending on the county you live in. Unlike with 1-800-Got-Junk, you would need to transport the items to the recycling center yourself, though doing so will save you money. CalRecycle also has some resources and information for the proper recycling of other products and goods.

Hand Holding PCB Against Green Trees Bokeh
MirageC / Getty Images

Recycler's World

Recycler's World is like a Craigslist for recyclers. In addition to providing a huge selection of information and instructions for recycling all kinds of goods, it has a buyer/seller exchange. You can use the exchange to post listings for waste and scrap products, providing buyers with an important resource for cheap recyclables. Businesses or individuals looking to sell off old electronics may find Recycler's World to be an invaluable resource. 

Analog TVs
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FAQ
  • Why should you recycle electronics?

    The reason you should recycle electronics is that electronic waste (e-waste) is a serious environmental issue. When old electronics end up in landfills, they leak metals and chemicals that end up in the soil and water supply. Less than 20% of e-waste is actually appropriately recycled.

  • Where can I recycle my old computer for cash?

    You can get cash for old computers from Best Buy, CanitCash, It's Worth More, SellBroke, or Apple's Trade-In program. For smaller electronics, find an EcoATM near you.

  • How do I recycle my old home theater electronics?

    You can recycle your old home theater electronics at retailers like Best Buy, Office Depot, and Staples. Consider using your old components to set up a second system in another room. You can also try donating old equipment to schools, churches, or nonprofits like Goodwill.

  • What should I do before I sell my old computer?

    To safely sell or recycle your old computer, back up your personal data, wipe or remove the hard drive, and eject any removable media.

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