What Should I Do With My Old TV and Computer Screens?

Screens and monitors contain plastics, metals, glass, and electronic components that should not end up in a landfill. When you get a new screen, being thoughtful about disposal can help protect the environment, reduce waste, and support a more sustainable product lifecycle. It could also put money back in your pocket.

If the screen still works—or you think it can be repaired—you almost definitely have better options than throwing it away. Below are the most sustainable paths to consider.

Note: If the screen won’t turn on, consider a local repair shop like uBreakiFix before you buy a new one. Repair is typically cheaper than a new purchase, and it’s much better for the environment.

Donate It

If the screen is functional (even if it’s missing the remote control or necessary cables and cords), donation is often the most environmentally responsible first choice. Reuse extends a product’s lifespan, and it delays the energy and resource demand required to manufacture a replacement.

Organizations to consider include:

  • Goodwill
  • Habitat for Humanity ReStore
  • The Salvation Army

Local shelters, community centers, schools, and faith-based groups may also accept working electronics. Reach out to a local school, gym, or small business directly to see if they’re interested.

Before donating:

  • Confirm it powers on and functions properly. (If not, consider getting it repaired! uBreakiFix offers fast repairs for anything that powers on.)
  • Include the remote and power cables if you have them.
    Perform a factory reset on smart TVs to remove your personal data.
  • Call ahead to confirm the organization accepts televisions, as some limit size or type.

Resell It Locally

If the screen is newer or still in strong condition, reselling can be practical and sustainable. Local resale reduces shipping emissions and gives the product a second life.

Common platforms include:

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Craigslist

Be transparent about age, brand, and any issues. Clean it up, and include detailed photos. One person’s trash can be another person’s treasure. Even older models may be useful for garages, kids’ rooms, college dorms, or gaming setups.

Resale encourages reuse over recycling, which is generally preferable in the waste hierarchy.

Check Local Recycling Facilities

If the screen is beyond repair, recycling is the next best path. Electronics contain precious metals and materials that can be recovered and reused, including copper, aluminum, steel, and certain plastics.

Start by visiting the website for your local waste management department. Municipal waste services often collect screens at waste collection centers or at designated e-waste recycling events.

Note: Most municipalities don’t allow electronics in standard curbside pickup because they contain components such as leaded glass (especially in older CRT models), circuit boards, and flame-retardant plastics. Your city’s waste management website will tell you where you can drop the screen off.

Some electronics stores also take screens for recycling. Do an internet search for “certified e-waste recyclers near me” to find local organizations that can help. These companies will ensure the screen is processed safely, rather than being exported or improperly dismantled.

What Happens to My Screen After Recycling?

Commercial electronics recycling typically follows a structured process:

Collection and Sorting
TVs are categorized by type (LED, LCD, plasma, older CRT) because each requires different handling.

Manual Disassembly
Technicians remove outer casings, wires, and major components. Hazardous elements are separated early in the process.

Mechanical Processing
Devices are shredded into smaller pieces. Magnets, air separators, and screening systems sort materials by weight and composition.

Material Recovery

  • Metals are melted and reused in manufacturing.
  • Plastics may be processed into pellets for new products.
  • Glass panels are treated and repurposed where possible.
  • Circuit boards are refined to recover small amounts of precious metals.

Proper recycling reduces the need for raw materials to be extracted from the Earth. It also lowers energy demand and minimizes environmental contamination.

Thinking About Waste and Pollution

Discarded electronics are one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. Manufacturing new screens requires mining, chemical processing, transportation, and energy-intensive assembly. Extending the life of a screen—even by a few years—lowers the cumulative environmental footprint.

From a sustainability perspective, the order of preference is generally:

  • Repair (instead of buying a new screen in the first place)
  • Reuse (donate or resell)
  • Recycle responsibly

If you’re upgrading your setup, consider how screen-mounting solutions, AV furniture, and accessories can be reused or adapted for future equipment. Designing a flexible space, using modular stands and mounts, and buying high-quality gear will help reduce how much waste you create.