TV Disposal

The Ultimate TV Disposal Guide 2026

How to Get Rid of Old TVs Safely, Legally, and Without the Hassle

Old televisions whether CRTs, flat screens, or projection units can be heavy, contain hazardous materials, and aren’t accepted in regular trash. This short guide walks you through the proper disposal steps and explains why hiring a professional junk removal service is often the safest, fastest, and most environmentally responsible way in Seattle and the surrounding areas.

Step 1: Identify What Kind of TV You Have

Different TVs require different disposal or recycling routes. Identify your unit first so you know the safest way to proceed.

• CRT TVs (old box-style) Contain leaded glass and hazardous materials require certified recycling and may incur handling fees.
• Flat-screen TVs (LCD, LED, Plasma) Contain circuit boards and panels recycle to recover metals and plastics; avoid landfill disposal.
• Projection TVs Very heavy and bulky often not accepted curbside; professional removal is recommended.

Knowing the type helps pick the right disposal method donation, retailer drop-off, city e-waste event, or professional pickup.

Can You Haul It Yourself?

You can haul a TV yourself, but consider  these quick DIY steps to do it safely:

• Measure your TV and vehicle clearance large flat-screens and projection TVs are awkward and heavy.
• Use proper packing (blankets, straps) and at least two strong people to lift watch for fragile screens and glass.
• Confirm the destination accepts your TV type check Seattle recycling center rules or retailer policies before driving there.

If DIY isn’t a good option due to heavy lifting, awkward staircases, or multiple items book online or call Action Junk Hauling’s Seattle team to schedule a junk removal service pickup and let professionals handle the removal and compliant disposal for you.

Where To Haul It To?

If you decide to haul your TV on your own, you’ll need to take it to an approved electronics recycling center, e-waste drop-off site, donation facility, or a certified landfill that accepts televisions. Many locations have strict rules regarding lead-filled glass, internal components, and hazardous materials, so always check their guidelines before dropping anything off. Improper disposal can result in fines and environmental harm, making proper handling essential. See our dumping guides for additional information.

Step 2: Understand Your Disposal Options

Option A: Electronic Recycling Centers

Best for: single TVs or a few electronics if you can transport them. Electronic recycling centers accept most televisions and computer monitors and are the most environmentally responsible choice.

• Pros: Environmentally responsible items are sorted and recycled, recovering metals, glass, and plastics.
• Cons: You must transport the TV yourself many TVs are heavy and awkward to move; check local Seattle center rules and potential recycling fees.

Option B: Manufacturer Take-Back Programs

Best for: newer TVs from major brands trade-in or mail-back programs can be convenient if offered. Availability varies by manufacturer and location.

• Pros: Safe and often free for eligible  models.
• Cons: Limited availability; may require shipping or drop-off to specific locations.

Option C: Retailer E-Waste Drop-Offs

Best for: convenient, local drop-off of small to mid-size TVs some retailers accept TVs for recycling (check size limits).

• Pros: Convenient drop-off at familiar locations.
• Cons: Often a fee applies; some locations don’t accept CRTs or very large screens verify before you go.

Option D: City E-Waste Events

Best for: residents looking for low-cost or free TV disposal service. Seattle and nearby cities occasionally host e-waste collection days that accept TVs and electronics.

• Pros: Free or low-cost options.
• Cons: Events are infrequent, lines may be long, and you still have to haul  items to the event.

Option F: Hire a Action Junk Removal Company (The Easy, Stress-Free Solution)

If you want a fast, safe, and convenient way to dispose old TVs especially heavy CRTs, large projection units, or multiple televisions hiring a professional junk removal company is the easiest option. Our Seattle crews handle the logistics so you don’t have to worry about heavy lifting, transport, or e-waste rules.

First, We Donate

Whenever possible we donate functional televisions and electronics to local Seattle charities, schools, and reuse programs. Donation-first is part of our service it reduces waste and benefits the community.

They Do All the Heavy Lifting

Our trained team handles removal from any room upstairs, basement, or a commercial office and manages secure loading and transport. That means no risk of damage to your property and no back strain for you.

Proper and Responsible Recycling

We work with certified e-waste recyclers to ensure circuit boards are dismantled safely, hazardous materials are handled correctly, and metals, glass, and plastics are recycled preventing toxic waste from entering landfills.

• Circuit boards and electronics components are dismantled and processed  safely.
• Hazardous materials (lead, mercury,  etc.) are managed per regulations.
• Metals, glass and plastics are routed  to recycling processors to recover materials.

This approach saves time, reduces risk, and ensures compliant disposal across Seattle, Kirkland, Bellevue and surrounding areas.

Saves Time and Stress

Instead of managing e-waste events, retailer rules, or loading TVs into your vehicle, just schedule a pickup. Our Seattle team often offers same-day or next-day pickup call or book online to get started.

Affordable and Transparent Pricing

When you compare the cost of transporting heavy TVs, paying recycling fees, and the risk of damage or injury, hiring a pro often ends up being the most cost-effective choice. Request a free estimate to see transparent pricing for your removal services.

Step 3: Keep It Eco-Friendly

Televisions contain metals, wiring, lead, mercury and plastics materials that require careful handling to avoid environmental harm. Protecting Seattle’s environment means choosing disposal and recycling options that follow best practices.

• Choose a junk removal company that partners with certified e-waste facilities and provides documentation of proper recycling.
• Ask three quick questions before booking: (1) Where do you recycle TVs? (2) What percentage of material is recovered?           (3) Can I get a recycling receipt or certificate?
• Avoid any service that won’t confirm their disposal chain never accept a provider that dumps TVs into landfills.

Step 4: Avoid Illegal Dumping

Leaving TVs on curbs, alleyways, or in community dumpsters is illegal and harmful. Dumped TVs leak hazardous materials, attract fines, and put our neighborhoods and waterways at risk. Protect Seattle dispose responsibly.

• Leak hazardous materials into soil and water if not handled properly.
• Attract fines and legal consequences  for illegal dumping.
• Put the environment and public health at risk avoid curbside dumping at all costs.

If you need proof of responsible recycling, ask your removal team for a recycling certificate or destination details reputable Seattle providers will gladly share documentation.

Step 5: Ready to Get Rid of Your Old TV?

Here’s your next move a simple, local plan to dispose old televisions responsibly in Seattle

• Call Action Junk Hauling or  book online to schedule appointment many Seattle customers get same-day or next-day pickup.
• Request a free, no-obligation quote and confirm if your television can be donated or must be recycled.
• Pick a convenient time our local team serves Seattle neighborhoods and surrounding areas along the I‑5 corridor.
• Sit back while the team safely removes, transports and disposes or recycles your TV we handle heavy lifting, documentation and donation when possible.

Summary for TV Disposal

TV disposal service doesn’t have to be complicated. If you want a quick, safe, and environmentally responsible solution in Seattle, hiring a junk removal company is the most reliable and hassle-free option.

Choose Seattle’s Top TV disposal and Junk Removal Professionals

There’s no reason your old television should end up in a landfill. Action Junk Hauling provides reliable TV disposal services and electronics removal services across the Greater Seattle area from downtown Seattle to Marysville, Kirkland and Tacoma. Call us or book online to schedule junk removal appointment and get a free estimate.

Areas We Serve

We operate multiple trucks with local drivers throughout the Greater Seattle area and surrounding areas serving downtown Seattle, Capitol Hill, Ballard, Fremont, Bellevue, Kirkland, Marysville, Tacoma and nearby neighborhoods.

Additional Junk Removal Services

If clutter, old furniture, or electronics are filling your space, trust Action Junk Hauling to remove items quickly and responsibly. From single televisions, full office cleanouts, real estate cleanouts, bereavement removal services, basement cleanouts or anything in between contact us to get a quote and schedule an appointment today.

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TV disposal and Recycling FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got you covered. Check out the most common questions people ask about our junk removal services: