As our world continues to grow and advance, so does the technology we use daily. A large part of this technology is electronic, which means that it contains a power source, whether it is via a cable or a battery. Many of us have old TVs and monitors that we no longer use, and we need to know how to dispose of them properly.
When we think of hazardous waste, we typically think of something that is an immediate risk to human health. However, under environmental legislation, waste is considered hazardous when it contains substances that might make it harmful to human health or the environment. This doesn’t mean the waste is an immediate risk, but it could be over time.
So, what does this mean for our old TVs and monitors? Many components in these electronics, such as screens, circuit boards, batteries, or any plastic parts, may contain hazardous chemicals or persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This means that, if not disposed of properly, these chemicals could leach into the environment and potentially cause harm.
Proper disposal of old TVs and monitors is essential to protect our environment and health.
How do you get rid of old televisions and monitors?
You’ve got several options available If your TV or monitor is broken and not worth repairing, we’ll cover these in more detail so you can pick the best option.
Household waste and recycling centres
You can recycle your old television sets and monitors at some local household waste and recycling centres.
The electrical items are taken to a reprocessing plant and broken down into small pieces. This recycling process prevents the old TVs from ending up at landfill sites and leaking hazardous substances into the soil or water.
With Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) TVs, the glass is recycled and reused for other applications.
LCD flatscreen TVs contain special fluorescent tubes on the screen. These get taken out and recycled on their own. Then, the glass can be recycled as well.
You can find your nearest recycling centre that will take your old TV or monitor on recyclenow.com.
Recycle at home – Arrange a local council collection
You may be able to arrange a collection with your local council. This varies by region, so you’ll need to check if a recycling collection is available. You can check on gov.uk/recycling-collections to find out.
Can you put a TV or monitors in the bin?
No, it would be best if you didn’t throw your old TV or monitor in the bin. Old electronic gadgets thrown away may end up in landfills, where they can leak hazardous and toxic chemicals into the soil and contaminate the land.
Can I throw a TV or monitor in a skip?
It’s possible to throw your old TV or monitor in a skip, but it depends on the skip hire company. Some companies don’t allow it, but at Norris, we’re happy to take your old TV or monitor for a small fee. You can add this during the checkout process.
Can I get rid of a TV or Monitor for free?
Give it away
If the TV or monitor still works, you can try giving it away to charity shops or, failing that, asking if any of your friends or family could make use of it.
Sell it
If it’s in good working order, you can place an ad on one of the many online marketplaces such as eBay, gumtree, or Facebook marketplace.
Another alternative is to take it to a second-hand goods store. They will often buy electrical goods to resell in one of their stores or online. Whilst you won’t get as much as you would selling it yourself, they’ll typically buy it there and then, saving you time and hassle.
Another option is trying Zarax, they will offer a quote for your old electrical goods and even come and collect it from you. (They might even buy a broken TV or monitor too)
It’s always worth thoroughly checking your TV or monitor before throwing them away. In particular, check the plug to ensure it’s not just a fuse that needs replacing. But if it’s reached the end of its life, you should know exactly what your options are and how best to get rid of your old TV or monitor.
-
Share article
