How Do You Dispose of a Flat Screen TV: Atlanta’s Complete Guide from Pack It Up Moving
Disposing of an old flat screen television might seem straightforward, but it requires careful planning and understanding of proper environmental practices. Flat screen TVs contain hazardous materials including lead, mercury, cadmium, and other heavy metals that can contaminate soil and groundwater if sent to landfills. In fact, many states, including Georgia, have regulations restricting how electronics can be disposed of. Whether you’re upgrading to a new model, moving to a new home in Atlanta, or your TV has stopped working, choosing the right disposal method protects the environment and keeps your home organized. At Pack It Up Moving in Atlanta, we help residents navigate proper disposal options for all types of items, including electronics. Here’s your comprehensive guide to disposing of a flat screen TV responsibly in Atlanta.
Why Proper Flat Screen TV Disposal Matters
Televisions are among the most problematic e-waste items. The average flat screen TV contains numerous toxic substances that pose serious environmental and health risks if not handled properly. These materials include lead in solder and glass, mercury in LCD backlights and plasma displays, cadmium in circuit boards, and beryllium in electronic components. When TVs end up in landfills, these hazardous materials can leach into soil and groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources and harming wildlife.
Additionally, improper TV disposal is often illegal. Many municipalities, including those throughout Georgia, prohibit throwing electronics in regular trash or leaving them curbside for standard garbage collection. Violating these regulations can result in fines or legal consequences. Beyond legality, responsible disposal of your TV means valuable materials like copper, gold, and recyclable plastics get recovered and reused, reducing the need for new raw material extraction and supporting the circular economy.
Disposal Option 1: Donate Your Working Television
If your flat screen TV still works perfectly, donation is an excellent first choice. Donating extends the TV’s lifecycle, keeps it out of landfills, and helps someone in need. Atlanta has numerous organizations that accept working televisions.
Popular donation options in Atlanta include Goodwill locations throughout the city, The Salvation Army with multiple facilities across the metro area, Atlanta Community Food Bank, local shelters and transitional housing facilities, schools and youth organizations, and churches and faith-based community centers.
Before donating, call ahead to confirm the organization accepts televisions. Ask about size restrictions, as some facilities may not accept TVs larger than a certain dimension. For working smart TVs, perform a factory reset to erase any personal information, streaming logins, or stored data. This protects your privacy and ensures the next owner starts fresh.
Many charities offer free pickup service for larger items like televisions, saving you the effort of transport. Some may even provide a tax deduction receipt, offering a financial benefit to your donation.
Disposal Option 2: Sell Your Television Online or Locally
If your TV is still in good working condition, selling it generates quick cash for your next purchase. Market value depends on the TV’s age, condition, brand, and size, but even older models often find buyers.
Popular platforms for selling used TVs in Atlanta include Facebook Marketplace, where local buyers can pick up directly from your home or a meeting place; Craigslist, which has a large Atlanta audience actively seeking used electronics; OfferUp, a mobile marketplace popular in the Southeast; Letgo, another mobile app with significant Atlanta user base; and local classified sites specific to Atlanta communities.
When listing your TV for sale, provide clear photos showing the TV working, include detailed specifications like screen size, resolution, and year of manufacture, mention any minor cosmetic imperfections honestly, and clearly state the price and pickup terms. Be transparent about the TV’s condition. If it has minor issues or doesn’t include all original accessories, mention these details upfront to avoid issues with buyers.
Always perform a factory reset on smart TVs before selling to protect your personal data. Meet buyers in safe, public locations. Never ship flat screen TVs as they frequently break in transit. Instead, specify that the buyer must arrange local pickup.
Disposal Option 3: Trade In or Exchange
Many electronics retailers offer trade in programs for old televisions when you purchase a new one. Best Buy accepts old TVs for trade-in, offering credit toward your new purchase. Other retailers in Atlanta may offer similar programs, so check with your local electronics stores.
Trade in programs simplify the process since you handle the old and new TVs in one transaction. The retailer typically handles disposal or refurbishment of your old TV. This option works well if you’re already planning to buy a replacement television.
Disposal Option 4: Recycle at a Certified E-Waste Facility
When your flat screen TV no longer works or cannot be donated or sold, certified e-waste recycling is the most environmentally responsible option. Certified recyclers follow strict environmental guidelines and have specialized equipment to safely dismantle TVs, extract hazardous materials, and recover valuable components.
In Atlanta, several certified e-waste recycling options are available. Best Buy accepts televisions at their Atlanta locations for recycling, typically accepting up to three items per household per day. Some locations may charge small fees for large TVs. Local waste management facilities in Atlanta and surrounding counties often host e-waste collection events where residents can drop off TVs free or for a small fee. Check with your specific county or city for scheduled collection dates.
Certified e-waste recyclers specializing in electronics recycling operate throughout the Atlanta metro area. These facilities use proper techniques to recover valuable materials and safely dispose of hazardous components. Many TV manufacturers, including Samsung, LG, Sony, and TCL, offer recycling programs with drop-off locations in Atlanta. Check the manufacturer’s website to find participating locations near you.
Disposal Option 5: Use a Junk Removal Service
For the most convenient option, professional junk removal companies like Pack It Up Moving handle TV disposal as part of broader cleanup and relocation projects. These services pick up your old television, transport it safely, and ensure it reaches appropriate recycling or donation facilities.
Hiring a junk removal service makes sense if you have multiple items to dispose of, are moving and need to clear out electronics during the process, or simply want professionals to handle everything without effort. Pack It Up Moving offers TV removal as part of our comprehensive moving and storage services throughout Atlanta.
Steps to Prepare Your TV for Disposal
Before disposing of your flat screen TV, take these preparatory steps to ensure safety and responsible handling.
First, unplug the television from the electrical outlet and allow it to sit for several hours. This dissipates residual electrical charge and makes the TV safer to handle. Clean the exterior and screen gently with a soft, dry cloth. Remove any accessories including the remote control, wall mount hardware, and power cables. These items may be reused separately or handled differently during recycling.
For smart TVs, perform a factory reset to erase all personal information, streaming service login credentials, photos, and other stored data. This protects your privacy and removes any personal information from the device before it passes to someone else or enters the recycling facility.
If the TV comes with original packaging or protective materials, use these for transport. If not, wrap the TV carefully in blankets or bubble wrap to protect the screen and other components during transport.
Mistakes to Avoid When Disposing of a Flat Screen TV
Never throw your flat screen TV in regular trash curbside collection. This violates local regulations, harms the environment, and creates liability. Never leave your TV on the curb without confirming it will be picked up as part of an official e-waste program or service. Never attempt to dismantle the TV yourself. Tampering with electronics exposes you to electrical hazards and toxic fumes. Never try to ship a flat screen TV through standard postal services or packages. They consistently arrive damaged and create liability issues. Never assume a broken TV has no value. Even non-functional TVs contain valuable materials that certified recyclers can recover and reuse.
Atlanta-Specific Recycling Resources
Georgia has electronics recycling laws, and Atlanta actively promotes responsible e-waste disposal. The City of Atlanta partners with local waste management to offer electronics recycling programs. DeKalb County, Fulton County, and surrounding counties host scheduled e-waste collection events throughout the year. Georgia Environmental Protection Division provides resources and directories for certified e-waste recyclers.
Check the Atlanta city website for current e-waste collection dates and locations. Many neighborhoods host collection events on specific dates, sometimes coinciding with hazardous waste collection drives.
Why Choose Pack It Up Moving for TV Disposal
When you’re moving in Atlanta, Pack It Up Moving handles not just your belongings but also helps you navigate responsible disposal of items you no longer want or can’t transport. We partner with certified recyclers and donation centers to ensure your old television is handled properly. Our team can include TV disposal as part of your complete residential moving services package, simplifying your relocation.
Contact Pack It Up Moving at (678) 334-2601 or office@packitupmoving.com for help disposing of your flat screen TV or for comprehensive moving and storage services throughout Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disposing of Flat Screen TVs
Is it legal to throw away a flat screen TV in Atlanta?
No, throwing a TV in regular trash or leaving it curbside for standard garbage collection is illegal in Georgia. TVs contain hazardous materials and must be disposed of through proper channels like certified recycling facilities, donation centers, or manufacturer take-back programs. Violating these regulations can result in fines.
How much does it cost to recycle a flat screen TV in Atlanta?
Cost varies depending on the option you choose. Best Buy charges small recycling fees for large TVs at some locations. Certified e-waste recyclers may charge between $10 and $30 depending on TV size and type. Many manufacturer take-back programs are free. City of Atlanta e-waste collection events are typically free for residents. Junk removal services charge based on what additional items they’re removing.
Can I get money for my old flat screen TV in Atlanta?
Yes, if your TV works, you can sell it online through Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. Some retail stores offer trade-in credit toward new purchases. However, older models or broken TVs typically have little to no resale value. Donation provides tax benefits instead of direct payment.
What happens to TVs at recycling facilities?
Certified e-waste recyclers dismantle televisions carefully, extracting hazardous materials for safe disposal and recovering valuable components like copper, gold, glass, and plastics for reuse in new products. This process diverts toxins from landfills and conserves natural resources.
Ready to Dispose of Your Flat Screen TV Responsibly?
Pack It Up Moving makes TV disposal simple, legal, and environmentally responsible. Whether you’re moving to a new Atlanta home, upgrading your electronics, or simply clearing space, we help ensure your old television reaches the right destination. Contact Pack It Up Moving at (678) 334-2601 or email office@packitupmoving.com for comprehensive moving, storage, and disposal services throughout Atlanta. Let our experienced team handle the details while you focus on your transition.
Additionally, if you need support outside Atlanta, we also provide professional moving services in Milton and nearby communities.