A – ASK
Is your data safe? Before recycling, make sure you delete your data and remove any dongles and other attached devices such as DVD players, games consoles and speakers.
Trade in or recycle TVs
Getting rid of an old TV? Is it still working? Consider a trade-in or donating it. Otherwise, repair or recycle.
TV disposal: your options
Sell or trade in a TV
Trade in your TV with a retailer, or find a buyer through neighbours or local networks – it will save you the hassle of shipping.
Donate your old TV
Many charities welcome a TV in working order. They will re-sell or pass it on to someone who needs it. See our page on donating electricals.
Repair your TV
Try troubleshooting first, then see our page on repairing electricals and electronics. Faulty parts can often be fixed, saving you from buying new.
Still want to recycle your TV?
No problem. The parts and precious materials can be recovered to be used again. Find your nearest electrical recycling point using our locator.
Trading in a TV
You may be able to trade in your TV with a retailer and get cash or money off the cost of a new set.
Larger brands such as Samsung occasionally run special offers where they may take your old set and give you a discount on a new TV, or vouchers towards other purchases. Some stores run part-exchange deals for limited time periods, so it’s worth shopping around – especially if you’re upgrading a TV.
If your old set just needs to be recycled, retailers will take it off your hands.
More on retailers and appliance recycling
How to recycle TVs
Like anything with a plug, battery or cable, your old TV can be recycled.
B – BAG IT
Set aside a bag, box or cupboard – TVs can be big brutes – where you can store your unwanted electricals. Gathering old tech in one place will make your next visit to your local recycling point much smoother.
C – CHECK
Find your local TV recycling point. Simply pop your postcode into our electrical recycling locator.
Find your nearest recycling pointWhere can I recycle an old TV near me?
GAZE INTO MY EYES
Let me channel your urge to recycle your old TV
Repeat after me: “Bag it, don’t bin it.”
Now find your nearest recycling point.
Trade in or recycle TVs: frequently asked questions
Will electrical retailers take away my old TV?
If you’re replacing a TV, the shop where you’re buying should take the old one off your hands. They will do this even if your TV is not deemed to have any financial value – it’s part of the retailer take-back scheme. Less hassle for you, and you can be sure the retailer will dispose of your TV safely and responsibly.
And if you’re having a TV installed, some retailers will collect from your home – which is handy since televisions can be awkward to carry and easily damaged.
Should I wipe my data from my TV before recycling?
Yes. Smart TVs can store data about you, your viewing history, and internet activity such as online shopping. You may have entered passwords, payment details and more via accounts like Netflix and network connections on a TV you’re planning to recycle.
It’s not difficult to erase all your data from your unwanted TV before you sell or pass the product on for recycling or reuse – but it is important.
Before unplugging, log out of any apps – either individually or via a global option in the settings menu.
You might need to do a factory reset via Settings and Device Preferences, but it’s best to check your manufacturer’s guide.
