How to get rid of electronics & tvs ✓ Fact-checked · Sourced · Dated Last verified Oct 21, 2026 Sources
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.
CITY City, county & program options
What to do, step by step Delete all personal information from your electronics before donating or recycling them.[1] Remove any batteries from your electronics; they may need to be recycled separately.[1] Manufacturers and retailers offer several options to donate or recycle electronics.[1] Look for certified electronics recyclers; EPA explains what it means to be a certified recycler.[1] City rules we've verified City City rule New York City Special Waste Drop-Off sites take e-waste, including all cords, cables and wiring that came with devices.[2] Houston Environmental Service Centers take computers, monitors, printers and TVs: a total of 5 large electronic items combined per visit.[3]
HHW drop-off sites by city Collection events All hazardous items TV 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) New York (1 source) 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.Texas (1 source) City of Houston, Solid Waste Management , “Environmental Service Centers.” https://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/esc.html . Checked Oct 21, 2026.National, federal & multi-state (2 sources) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , “Electronics Donation and Recycling.” https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling . Checked Oct 21, 2026.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.
What do cities say about TVs and e-waste? Many places ban electronics from the trash. Rules vary widely.
City Official rule Los Angeles Electronic waste (TVs, computers, monitors) accepted in LASAN bulky pickup[4] Chicago Illinois law prohibits landfilling many common electronics (Illinois EPA)[2] New York City Illegal 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] Philadelphia Take TVs and computers to a Sanitation Convenience Center[6] Houston Electronics not accepted in heavy trash; use an Environmental Service Center[5] San Antonio Up 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) 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.Illinois EPA , “Materials Management.” https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste-management/materials-management.html . Checked Oct 21, 2026.NYC Department of Sanitation , “Collection Laws for Residents.” https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/residents/collection-laws-residents.page . Checked Oct 21, 2026.LA Sanitation & Environment , “Schedule a Bulky Item Pickup.” https://sanitation.lacity.gov/services/schedule-bulky-item-pickup . Checked Oct 21, 2026.City of Houston, Solid Waste Management , “Heavy Trash Collection.” https://houstontx.gov/solidwaste/heavytrash.html . Checked Oct 21, 2026.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.City of San Antonio, Solid Waste Management , “Curbside Brush & Bulky.” https://www.sa.gov/Directory/Departments/SWMD/Brush-Bulky/Curbside . Checked Oct 21, 2026.PAID Partner Optional services from independent partners
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