TV Disposal Cost: CRT, Flat Screen, and Projection TVs
Quick Answer
TV disposal in Oregon costs $0 to $150 depending on the type of TV and the disposal method you choose. Oregon's Electronics Recycling Law provides free recycling for most TVs at designated drop-off sites. If you want pickup service, professional junk removal runs $75 to $150 for a single TV or less when bundled with other items. CRT (tube) TVs are the most expensive to dispose of due to the lead content in the glass.
You upgraded to a new TV and now the old one is sitting in the garage. Or maybe you are cleaning out a storage room and found two CRT televisions from 2003. Either way, you cannot just put a TV in the trash in Oregon. Electronics contain hazardous materials, and Oregon law requires proper recycling.
The good news is that Oregon has one of the better e-waste recycling programs in the country. Here is what it costs to get rid of your old TV, broken or working.
TV Disposal Cost by Type
| TV Type | Weight | Professional Removal | Self-Haul Recycling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small flat screen (under 32") | 5-15 lbs | $75 - $100 | Free at drop-off sites |
| Large flat screen (32-65") | 15-50 lbs | $75 - $125 | Free at drop-off sites |
| Extra-large flat screen (65"+) | 50-100 lbs | $100 - $150 | Free at drop-off sites |
| CRT / tube TV (small) | 40-80 lbs | $75 - $125 | Free at drop-off sites |
| CRT / tube TV (large, 32"+) | 100-200+ lbs | $100 - $150 | Free at drop-off sites |
| Rear projection TV | 100-200 lbs | $100 - $150 | Free at drop-off sites |
Oregon's Free TV Recycling Program
Oregon's Electronics Recycling Law (passed in 2007) requires manufacturers to fund free recycling of covered electronic devices, including televisions. This means you can drop off your TV for free at designated collection sites across the state.
How it works:
- Find a collection site near you through Oregon DEQ's e-cycles program website.
- Transport your TV to the site during operating hours.
- Drop it off at no charge.
Collection sites exist in:
- Portland metro (multiple locations)
- Salem and Keizer
- Corvallis and Albany
- Eugene and Springfield
- Most other Oregon cities with 10,000+ residents
What is covered:
- All TV types (CRT, LCD, LED, plasma, projection)
- Computer monitors
- Laptops and desktop computers
Limitations:
- Business electronics have a limit (typically 7 items per trip for businesses).
- Residential drop-offs are unlimited.
- The TV must be intact — no disassembled components.
Why CRT TVs Are a Special Problem
If you still have a CRT (cathode ray tube) television, you have Oregon's most inconvenient piece of e-waste. Here is why:
Lead content: A single CRT TV contains 4 to 8 pounds of lead in the glass. This makes CRTs hazardous waste that cannot go to a standard landfill.
Weight: A 32-inch CRT TV weighs 100 to 150 pounds. A 36-inch model can weigh over 200 pounds. Moving them is a serious physical challenge.
Declining recycling infrastructure: As fewer CRTs enter the waste stream, some recyclers have stopped accepting them. The Oregon e-cycles program still covers them, but it is getting harder to find convenient drop-off locations in some areas.
No resale value: Unlike some old electronics, CRT TVs have essentially zero market value. Nobody wants them, even for free. The rare exception is retro gaming enthusiasts who seek specific CRT models, but this is a very niche market.
If you have a heavy CRT TV, especially in a basement or upstairs room, professional removal is often worth the cost just to avoid the injury risk of moving it yourself.
Professional TV Removal
When you hire a junk removal company for TV disposal, the service includes:
- Pickup from any room — Including basement, upstairs, or garage
- Loading and hauling — No lifting required on your part
- Proper recycling — Responsible companies ensure TVs go to certified e-waste recyclers
- Bundling opportunity — If you have other items to get rid of, combining them with your TV pickup saves money
At Otesse, we handle TV removal as part of our junk removal services. A single TV pickup runs $75 to $150, but if you are also getting rid of other electronics or household items, the TV just becomes part of the load.
Other TV Disposal Options
Retailer Take-Back
Some electronics retailers accept old TVs:
- Best Buy — Accepts TVs up to 32 inches for free recycling. Larger TVs may have a $29.99 recycling fee. Limit of 3 items per household per day.
- Staples — Accepts smaller electronics but generally not large TVs.
Best Buy's program is one of the most accessible options if your TV is small enough to transport in your car.
Municipal Collection Events
Many Oregon counties host periodic e-waste collection events, especially during Earth Day (April) and America Recycles Day (November). These events typically accept all electronics for free. Watch for announcements from your county waste management office.
Goodwill and Donation
Working flat screen TVs in good condition can be donated to Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, or other thrift stores. However, most organizations no longer accept CRT TVs or broken TVs of any type.
What NOT to Do
Do not put a TV in your regular trash. It is illegal in Oregon to dispose of electronics in municipal solid waste.
Do not leave it by a dumpster. This is illegal dumping. Fines apply, and the TV will likely sit there leaching hazardous materials.
Do not break a CRT TV apart. The glass contains lead and other hazardous materials. Breaking it releases lead dust, which is a serious health hazard. Let certified recyclers handle CRT disassembly.
Do not ship it overseas. Some "recyclers" export e-waste to developing countries where it is processed unsafely. Use Oregon DEQ-certified recyclers to ensure responsible processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle a broken TV? Yes. Oregon's e-cycles program accepts broken TVs. The recycling process does not require the TV to be functional.
Is it safe to store an old CRT TV in the garage? As long as it is not damaged, a CRT TV is safe to store. The lead is contained within the glass. Problems arise when the glass breaks. Keep it upright and away from areas where it might be knocked over.
What about the TV remote and cables? Most drop-off sites accept remotes and cables along with the TV. If you are using a professional removal service, toss the remotes and cables in with the TV.
How many TVs can I drop off at once? Residential drop-offs at Oregon e-cycles sites are generally unlimited. If you are cleaning out a house and have five old TVs, bring them all.
Do flat screen TVs contain hazardous materials? Yes, but far less than CRTs. LCD and LED TVs contain small amounts of mercury in the backlight (older models) and various metals in the circuit boards. Proper recycling captures these materials safely.
Get Rid of Your Old TV
Whether you have a single flat screen or a garage full of old CRTs, we can help. At Otesse, TV disposal is part of our junk removal services across Oregon's I-5 corridor. We ensure every TV goes to a certified recycler.
See our junk removal cost guide for general pricing, or explore bulk trash pickup options for larger cleanouts.
Get Your Free Quote or call us at 541-844-2585.
