If there’s a household item that has become the centre point of the home and something that helps bring everyone together, it’s the TV. Their popularity in homes has meant that large television brands are constantly bringing out newer and bigger versions. But, unfortunately, the ease of access to these more advanced televisions means our old, and often still perfectly working, TVs are getting thrown away more regularly than ever before.
People who see this rise in TV disposals first hand are Fast Skips, a UK Skip Hire company. With waste, including WEEE, from skips and commercial companies coming into their yard daily, they’ve decided to put together information on how you should be properly disposing of your old TVs to improve recycling and reuse.
Your TV Still Works
Far too often, we throw away TVs, even if they are in good working condition, simply because it is easier than finding other means to dispose of them. Instead, there are other places we can send our TVs, such as donation centres.
Donating your TV
If you were going to throw your TV away, that means you were not expecting any money from it. So, why not donate it to someone else in need instead? One man’s rubbish is another man’s treasure!
Speak to your family and friends or advertise the TV for free on social media sites like Facebook. There are lots of groups people now join to donate items to others. Or, local charities accept TVs in working order, and some will even collect from your property to save you from making a trip.
Visit the Retailer
Many WEEE retailers now have a legal obligation to ensure the products they have sold can be exchanged with them in future to ensure proper recycling. It is common for these retailers to offer discounts on newer models if old ones are exchanged. These exchange schemes are an excellent incentive for you to ensure your old TVs are recycled, with some money-saving as a bonus!
Sell your TV
If you’d prefer a quick sale and are not happy to donate your TV, this is still a great way to make sure it is not going to landfill and is being reused whilst making some money. Social media sites such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay are great examples of how to sell your TV quickly, cheaply and hassle-free.
Your TV is broken
If your TV has broken, you will struggle to be able to find anyone to take it from you for reuse. The TV will then be classed as waste, meaning you have to find the best disposal method. TVs are often classed as hazardous, so cannot be put into a skip or simply thrown away. It is best to contact your local council or waste management company and they will be able to either collect the TV from you or give you advice on the best place to take it in your area for recycling.