Disposing of an outdated or broken big screen television can become a big hassle. Commonly, throwing large electronics in the trash or leaving it for the waste management to pick up will usually result in a notice of unacceptable waste, a warning or even a fine. Most electronics contain harmful chemicals that if not disposed of properly can contaminate local groundwater and the environment. Most charitable organizations, such as The Salvation Army and Goodwill, do not accept televisions. However, there are other ways to recycle or to dispose, such as the local county landfill and specialized electronic recycling centers.
Instructions
County/State E-Waste Centers
1. E-waste is a term used for unwanted electronic equipment, such as televisions, cell phones, computers, stereos, printers, etc.. Most metropolitan cities and counties have public e-waste centers available for donating and recycling electronic products. Some charitable organizations (although rarely) accept large electronic equipment.
2. Search online or the yellow pages and search for "e-waste" or "electronic donation/disposal." For example, use your search engine and type "Los Angeles County e-waste centers."
3. Call the e-waste organization to confirm whether they can accept the television or if they can pick it up.
4. If you have multiple privately owned e-waste organizations in the area, choose the organization that offers free pickup services, since this will save you on personal time and labor.
5. If you are donating, remember to get a "valuation guide," you will need this to determine the value of the television when you fill out the "Noncash Charitable Contributions (IRS Form 8283)" tax form.
Open Landfill Dumping
6. Another option is to transport the television to a public (open) landfill. However, this will most likely cost you money, usually costing a flat entrance fee ranging between $20 and $40 depending on the area.
7. Go online and search solid waste facilities. For example, "Los Angeles County Solid Waste Facilities" or "Henderson County Landfill."
8. Before going to the solid waste facility call and confirm the hours it is open for public dumping and if they will accept the television.
9. If you do not have a car or truck large enough to hold the big screen television, either call an acquaintance who has a large enough vehicle or rent a small moving truck (U-Haul).
10. Once you are at the landfill front gate, tell the operator that you are disposing of electronic waste. The operator will give you directions to the designated electronic landfill area.
11. Once at the designated electronic landfill area, dump the television from the vehicle (the landfill employees will handle the rest).
Tags: accept television, Angeles County, charitable organizations, designated electronic, designated electronic landfill, electronic equipment
