How to Get Rid of an Old Television

You just purchased a big-screen LCD television. Now you're wondering how to get rid of your old analog television. After the switch to high-definition digital television, fewer folks seem interested in older television models, especially ones without cable capacity. People want televisions capable of receiving the digital signal. In our fast-paced world of technology, old equipment becomes obsolete in a short time. It's hard to give away technologies that are over 5 years old. But there are solutions to your television dilemma. Read on to learn 10 legal and safe ways to get rid of your old television set.

Legal and Safe Disposal Only

The dumpster is not one of them, nor is incineration. Both are environmental concerns. Tossing an old television into the dumpster means that hazardous waste ends up in a landfill. Television monitors contain toxic lead, mercury, and heavy metals that can leech into the water supply, and they contain plastics that don't decompose. What's more, it's illegal to throw electronic equipment into the trash because of hazardous materials. Conscientious consumers protect the water supply and environment by finding legal and safe ways to dispose of old electronics. Here are some better options for disposal.

1. Check first with family and friends. See if someone you know wants or needs a television set like yours. Offer to deliver it to them and set it up.

2. Donate your old television to charity. If your old television is usable with a converter box or with cable, Goodwill, Salvation Army, or other thrift stores may take your television donation--but only if the set is in working condition. Plus, you can get a receipt for a tax deduction. Salvation Army may even pick up the old set. But don't just drop off non-compliant or broken television sets, or your donation becomes someone else's problem. They have to pay to haul it off. It's always a good idea to check before you donate.

3. Check with your local recycling center. Electronic waste is some of the fastest growing waste. Many cities have taken the lead and are offering a recycling disposal program for hazardous waste. The program may also pick up and dispose of your old electronics for free. Your local recycling center will be able to tell you how you can dispose of your old television set.

4. Call local nursing homes or hospitals. Residential and patient care services often use a big television in public areas or small sets in patient rooms. If your television is cable-ready or you have a converter box to go along with it, your donation is more readily accepted.

5. Use free services. People love free stuff. Contact Freecycle.org or Craigslist.org and offer your television set for free at no expense to you. But think twice about giving it away free on your front lawn. Sticking a "free" sign on the television and setting it out front isn't necessarily a good idea. Pranksters may toss rocks at the glass or kick it in as they pass on the sidewalk or road. Then you have to deal with a busted television and all the clean up.

6. Earth911.com can help you find a recycling center near you. All you need to do is list your zip code, city, and state, and Earth911 will let you know the nearest recycling center for hazardous and electronic waste.

7. Contact the company that manufactured your television model. Sometimes companies offer recycling options for their old electronic devices.

8. Call electronics stores or repair shops. Your television set might be valuable for repair parts or other resources your television provides.

9. Ask your local landfill if they recycle old television sets. Usually, there is a fee for disposal of heavy metals, but it's quick and answers your problem. Always check before you haul the set there.

10. Some electronics stores offer to take your trade-ins. They recycle the old when you buy the new. Call and check with companies before your buy your next set, and keep in mind how you will dispose of the new set when it becomes obsolete.

Responsible consumers don't throw television sets into dumpsters. They don't drop the set on the side of the road, push it over the cliff, or ship it out to sea. They don't take the set to a repair shop and forget to pick it up. Responsible consumers dispose of electronic waste in a legal and safe way. These suggestions offer 10 safe and legal ways to properly dispose of an old television set.