How to Dispose of an Old TV
Upgrading to a new television is exciting, but getting rid of the old one can be surprisingly tricky. Televisions are classed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). Because they contain complex electronics, heavy metals, and sometimes hazardous chemicals, you absolutely cannot throw them in your normal household bin. Fortunately, safely recycling them in the UK is very straightforward.
Find a Local Tip for Tvs
Enter your postcode below to see which nearby recycling centres accept this item.
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Don't risk damaging your vehicle. Hire a local 'Man and Van' and get tvs taken away today.
Hire Man & Van ↗⚠️ Important Safety Warning
Never intentionally smash a TV screen to make it easier to carry. Older heavy CRT (tube) TVs contain lead and are highly pressurised, meaning they can implode dangerously. Older flat-screen LCDs contain mercury tubes which release toxic gases if broken.
What happens to your TV at the tip?
When you take a television to the local council recycling centre, it must be placed in a dedicated WEEE or 'Small/Large Electricals' container. From there, it is transported to a specialist electrical recycling facility.
The TV is carefully dismantled. The plastic casing and glass screens are separated and melted down to make new products. More importantly, the internal circuit boards are processed to recover valuable precious metals like copper, silver, and even tiny amounts of gold. Any hazardous components, such as lead in old CRT tube TVs or mercury in older LCD backlights, are safely extracted and disposed of.
Rules for taking a TV to the recycling centre
Almost all UK council tips accept televisions from local residents completely free of charge. When you arrive, ask a member of staff where the electricals area is. You must place the TV down gently—do not throw it into the skip, as shattering the screen makes it much harder and more dangerous to recycle.
If you are taking a massive modern TV (like a 65-inch or larger) and using a hired van to transport it, remember to check your council's van permit rules before making the trip.
💡 Tips & Alternatives
- Use a retailer take-back scheme. Under UK law, when you buy a new TV, major retailers (like Currys, Argos, or John Lewis) must offer a way to recycle your old one. If they are delivering your new TV, they will often take the old one away for a small fee.
- Donate working TVs to charity. If the TV is in full working order and has its original remote, charities like the British Heart Foundation will gladly accept it. They will PAT test it for electrical safety before selling it to raise funds.
- Sell broken TVs for parts. Even if the screen is smashed, the internal circuit boards, power supplies, and stands are highly sought after by TV repair shops. Listing it on eBay or Facebook Marketplace 'for spares or repairs' can often earn you a bit of extra cash.
❓Common Questions
Can I put a small TV in my wheelie bin?
No. It is illegal to put any electrical item, no matter how small, into a general household waste or recycling bin. It must be recycled through a proper WEEE scheme.
Will traditional scrap metal collectors take my TV?
Usually, no. 'Scrap iron men' driving around residential streets rarely take televisions because they contain very little accessible metal and disposing of the hazardous glass and plastic actually costs them money.
Will the council collect my old TV from my house?
Yes, most local councils will collect televisions as part of their bulky waste collection service. There is usually a set fee for this (ranging from £15 to £40 depending on your area).
Do I need to erase my smart TV before disposing of it?
Yes! If you are getting rid of a modern smart TV, you should perform a 'Factory Reset' in the settings menu. This wipes your Wi-Fi passwords, Netflix logins, and personal data before the TV changes hands.