Did your TV just break down, and want to find a sustainable way to get it off your hands? Perhaps you’re just curious whether you can dispose of a broken TV the same way as regular waste.
Either way, this article has all the lowdowns you need about getting rid of a broken TV.
In this article, we will examine sustainable ways of disposing of a broken TV. We’ll tell you what disposal methods work for TVs and what doesn’t, so keep reading to the end.
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3 Eco-Friendly Ways to Dispose of Broken TV
Who doesn’t cherish hours spent in front of the TV? We all have that one thing — or at least ever had — on our TVs that brings us immense joy.
Whether it’s watching sports, catching up on the news, enjoying cartoons, indulging in romantic series, or engaging in other entertainment forms, there’s always something that glues our eyes to our TV screens.
But no matter how much you treasure your TV, here’s one inescapable reality: TVs are never meant to serve us forever!
That’s right!
In fact, even the highest-quality TVs will, at some point, succumb to defeat, leaving you with waste that’s out of the ordinary to manage.
So, what happens when the unthinkable happens? Can you dispose of your broken TV alongside regular waste?
Well, that’s a resounding NO! As you’re about to discover, TV is much different from the regular waste you produce in your home. As such, a different way of disposal is required to ensure that your broken appliance doesn’t cause trouble to the planet, its resources, or the inhabitants moments down the line.
That’s because, like other electronic waste (e-waste), TVs are more of a double-edged sword, containing both valuable and hazardous components. Therefore, you should always dispose of TVs responsibly to avoid any potential harm.
Here are some sustainable ways you can get rid of your broken TV:
1. Send It To a Repair Center
Before you even think about disposing of your TV, consider if it can be repaired. You can either take it to a professional or try fixing it yourself if you’re comfortable with electronics.
Recent stats by Statistica show that annual e-waste generation stands at 50 million tons. And let’s be honest; this is an alarming number that calls for a radical change in how we handle our electronics once they come to the end of their life cycle.
So, by repairing your TV instead of disposing of it, you’re not only reducing the amount of e-waste, but you’re also saving money and resources.
2. Make Use of Recycling Centers
In one of the previous articles, we covered recycling as one of the 8 Rs of sustainability. So, as you grapple with finding the best way to bid your broken TV goodbye, you can consider recycling it.
Most recycling centers will accept flat screen and CRT TVs for free, so check to see if the recycling programs in your area accept that kind of e-waste.
Alternatively, you can work with Earth911 to locate the nearest area within your vicinity where you can recycle your TV.
Another option is to use the e-stewards website to find the nearest recycling center. In fact, it’s highly recommended to work with recyclers with the e-steward label on their website, as they adhere to the highest standards when recycling your TV or any other appliance.
If you’re in the UK, you can consider working with Currys, even if you didn’t buy the TV from them. They will collect it free of charge and help you get rid of it properly. The website even provides the procedure used to recycle, so you can rest assured that your TV is in safe hands.
By recycling your TV, you help bring relief to the current e-waste quagmire. Plus, recycling helps conserve energy. In fact, by recycling a single LCD TV, you save enough energy to power a home for three days. So, it’s a win-win situation!
3. Cash In On It
Another way to deal with your broken TV could be to resell it. Yes, as useless and lifeless as your TV might seem, there’s always a huge chance that someone out there is looking for it.
So, before you toss it away, consider reselling it to someone who can use its parts or refurbish the entire TV. It might not only make you some extra cash but also reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills.
Many online platforms allow people to sell their broken appliances. Some of the most popular sites include eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. You can even ask around your friends and family if they know anyone who may be interested in buying a broken TV.
Why Can’t You Just Throw Away a TV?
As mentioned earlier, TVs belong to the category of e-waste. Now, the problem with this type of waste is that it has been growing steadily in our landfills in the past few years, and just throwing away your TV can make it even worse.
But then, why is e-waste bad in the first place?
Well, among the many problems caused by e-waste is that it emits methane gas. And just so you know, methane emissions are up to 28 times more potent at trapping heat than carbon (iv) oxide, and that means improper disposal of e-waste can exacerbate the global warming effect.
Plus, electronic waste, including TVs, contains dangerous compounds like mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can easily find their way into the air, water, and soil.
This can easily affect humans, plants, marine, and other living organisms that depend on these resources. Imagine if everyone just disposed of their electronic waste without proper handling and disposal methods!
Let’s take mercury, for instance. Exposure to this compound can damage the nervous system, liver, kidneys, and immune system. In pregnant women, mercury exposure can lead to developmental problems in their children.
Lead, on the other hand, can increase the chances of kidney damage, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems. As for cadmium, it can cause lung issues and, in some cases, even death!
These are just a few of the dangers that e-waste exposes us to when disposed of improperly. So, it’s essential to consider sustainable ways to dispose of your broken TV.
Of course, that’s without forgetting that e-waste is also a source of valuable materials such as gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. By recycling and responsibly disposing of our electronic waste, we can recover these resources and reduce the demand for mining new materials from the earth.
Can You Put a TV in the Bin?
The simple answer is no. Electronics like TVs and computers aren’t meant for the common bin. In most states, disposing of them in the trash is even considered illegal. So, if you don’t want to find yourself facing legal charges, make use of the proper disposal methods when getting rid of your broken TV.
Plus, just tossing it in the bin means the broken TV will end up in a landfill, where it will take years to decompose and release toxic chemicals into the environment. So, not only is it harmful to dispose of a TV this way, but it also doesn’t follow sustainable waste management practices.
There’s also the matter of privacy and security. While risk is typically higher with computer hard drives than with televisions, modern TVs, especially ‘smart’ ones, do contain storage and, therefore, user data.
It’s imperative to securely wipe or destroy these devices to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. In the event that you can’t access your TV, working with an ethical electronic recycler is safer than sending it alongside your everyday waste.
Overall, disposing of a broken TV should be done responsibly and sustainably. Consider recycling, reselling, or repairing it before throwing it away. Remember to always research and follow proper disposal methods for e-waste to protect the environment, yourself, and others from harm.
5 Things To Do With a Broken TV
Now that we’ve established why and how not to dispose of a TV, what should one do with a broken television?
1. Recycle It Properly
As stated earlier, the most harmonious way to part with a broken TV that can’t be repaired or repurposed is to recycle it.
Thankfully, we’ve got many recycling centers out there that accept electronics, but it’s important to find a certified e-waste recycler. These facilities are equipped to handle electronic waste and ensure that valuable components are reused or repurposed responsibly.
2. Repurpose It
If you’re creative and have a passion for DIY projects, a broken TV is a new opportunity to come up with an invention. The frame can come in handy in creating a fancy bookshelf, and the screen can be turned into an art piece or used as a display for photos.
With a little imagination, there are many ways to repurpose a broken TV and give it a new life. Not only does this keep it out of landfills, but it also adds character to your home.
3. Donate the TV
While we usually donate things that are in good condition, some organizations also accept broken appliances.
That’s why it’s essential to do thorough research before donating to ensure the organization you’re considering accepts broken TVs. You can also reach out to local charities or schools and see if they have any use for your television.
4. Sell or Return to the Manufacturer
In some cases, manufacturers will take back old electronics, particularly when it’s time to upgrade. They might even offer incentives, discounts, or store credit for the return, making it a win-win for both parties.
Otherwise, selling the parts or the TV, if possible, can both offset the cost of disposing of the TV properly and provide resources for its repurposing.
Read: 20+ Things That You Shouldn’t Buy as an Environmentalist
5. Use a Professional Junk Removal Service
For those who prefer not to go through the hassle, professional junk removal services can be a convenient solution.
These companies will ensure the TV is disposed of properly according to local regulations. Just remember to choose a service that aligns with your eco-friendly values and uses responsible disposal methods.
