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📺 Hazardous waste

How to get rid of electronics & tvs

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The answer

Many places ban TVs and electronics from the trash. Wipe your data, pull out batteries, then use a city e-waste drop-off, a manufacturer or retailer take-back, or a certified recycler.[4]

Independent guide, not a government website. Confirm with your city or the linked official source before acting; rules and fees change.

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What to do, step by step

  1. Delete all personal information from your electronics before donating or recycling them.[1]
  2. Remove any batteries from your electronics; they may need to be recycled separately.[1]
  3. Manufacturers and retailers offer several options to donate or recycle electronics.[1]
  4. Look for certified electronics recyclers; EPA explains what it means to be a certified recycler.[1]

City rules we've verified

CityCity rule
New York CitySpecial Waste Drop-Off sites take e-waste, including all cords, cables and wiring that came with devices.[2]
HoustonEnvironmental Service Centers take computers, monitors, printers and TVs: a total of 5 large electronic items combined per visit.[3]

HHW drop-off sites by cityCollection eventsAll hazardous itemsTV rules by city

FAQ

Can I put a TV on the curb?

Often not. NYC bans covered e-waste from the trash. Check your city's rules and drop-off sites below.[4]

Sources (4 official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026)

  1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Electronics Donation and Recycling.” https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  2. NYC Department of Sanitation, “Special Waste Drop-Off.” https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/what-we-do/programs/special-waste-drop-off.page. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  3. City of Houston, Solid Waste Management, “Environmental Service Centers.” https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/esc.html. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  4. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “How Do I Recycle Common Recyclables.” https://www.epa.gov/recycle/how-do-i-recycle-common-recyclables. Checked Oct 21, 2026.

Each numbered citation [n] above links to its source. Last checked Oct 21, 2026. Rules change, so confirm before you set anything out.

What do cities say about TVs and e-waste?

Many places ban electronics from the trash. Rules vary widely.

CityOfficial rule
Los AngelesElectronic waste (TVs, computers, monitors) accepted in LASAN bulky pickup[4]
ChicagoIllinois law prohibits landfilling many common electronics (Illinois EPA)[2]
New York CityIllegal to put covered e-waste in trash or recycling; $100 penalty. Use retail drop-off, DSNY special waste sites, SAFE events or e-cycleNYC[3]
PhiladelphiaTake TVs and computers to a Sanitation Convenience Center[6]
HoustonElectronics not accepted in heavy trash; use an Environmental Service Center[5]
San AntonioUp to 3 TVs accepted in curbside bulky collection[7]

Can I throw a TV in the trash? Often not. NYC and Illinois restrict it. See the city rules above.[1]

Sources for the city rules above (8 official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026)

  1. Municipal Code (American Legal Publishing), “NYC Rules §1-04.2 E-waste.” https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCrules/0-0-0-31003. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  2. Illinois EPA, “Materials Management.” https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/materials-management.html. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  3. NYC Department of Sanitation, “Collection Laws for Residents.” https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/residents/collection-laws-residents.page. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  4. LA Sanitation & Environment, “Schedule a Bulky Item Pickup.” https://sanitation.lacity.gov/services/schedule-bulky-item-pickup. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  5. City of Houston, Solid Waste Management, “Heavy Trash Collection.” https://houstontx.gov/solidwaste/heavytrash.html. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  6. City of Philadelphia, “Sanitation Convenience Centers.” https://www.phila.gov/services/trash-recycling-city-upkeep/find-a-sanitation-convenience-center-to-drop-off-trash-or-recycling/. Checked Oct 21, 2026.
  7. City of San Antonio, Solid Waste Management, “Curbside Brush & Bulky.” https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/SWMD/Brush-Bulky/Curbside. Checked Oct 21, 2026.