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Don't Throw Away Your Old TV, Give It Away Instead

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If your TV has developed mechanical faults or is way past its heyday, it might be time to dispose of it. Perhaps you have bought a new TV, boasting the latest technology features. Getting rid of your old TV set will create space for the new piece of entertainment technology in your house. A modern TV makes events such as watching the football game with friends much more enjoyable.

While you might be tempted to just place your old TV in the garbage, disposing of your TV is not so easy. You have to take into account the laws around the disposal of electronic waste. In addition, you might be able to find a second home for your unwanted TV set. As a result, giving away your TV might be the best way of getting rid of it.

Why Throwing Your TV Away Could Be Illegal

The first major reason you cannot just throw away your old television is that it's probably illegal, though this depends on your state. Television sets, like many other electronics gadgets, contain potentially harmful toxins. This makes their safe disposal a matter of public safety. TV sets contain lead, copper, mercury, cadmium, and other hazardous materials.

As a result of the toxic nature of the materials used in TV manufacturing, many states now have laws governing their proper disposal. For example, the state of Hawaii covers this in its Electronic Device and Television Recycling Law. Likewise, Vermont has the Vermont E-Cycles statute that provides for the recycling of electronic equipment. Such laws across the country generally prohibit dumping of TVs as well as computers and other electronic equipment.

TV Disposal Costs Money

The proper disposal of your old TV unit can cost you upwards of $100, possibly more. This is because you have to hand over the TV to a manufacturer or other electronics disposal company. These companies have programs in place to process old electronics. Materials such as copper and metals will be melted and reused in the manufacture of other goods. Other materials such as glass will be separated from metals and reused for other purposes. However, this process is costly. For the end user, the annoying part is that disposing of your TV in this way will cost you, sometimes, just as much as buying a brand new TV. This is another good reason to give the TV away whenever possible.

Giving Your TV Away to Goodwill or Salvation Army

Your first option for giving the TV away is to donate it, if possible, to a local charity store. For example, in the past, organizations such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army have run programs where TVs could be donated. They would then gift these TVs to local families who wanted a TV but were too poor to afford one.

Given the new laws on the disposal of electronics, charity organizations might refuse electronics items that are too old. This is to avoid the disposal costs if they are unable to give the item away themselves. However, you should inquire with the charity organizations in your local area to see if the TV is a fit for them.

Giving Your TV Away As a Free Giveaway on Craigslist

In case you are unable to give the TV away to a charity organization, you can often sell off the TV on Craigslist or other online marketplaces. Even better, list the item as a free giveaway. Craigslist gives you access to a wide audience of people in your town. Chances are, the TV might be a great find for a young person in your area who wants one but cannot afford the latest models. When listing your item, make it clear that the recipient will need to come pick up the item from your house, that way you don't have to pay the shipping to send the TV to them.

Giving Your TV Away to a Neighbor or Organizing a Yard-Sale

A final option for giving your TV away is to give it to a neighbor or organize a yard sale. With a yard sale, you invite your neighbors and other local people to come to your house on a set date. You can often sell off unwanted items such as old furniture, TVs, washing machines and many others. Be aware, though, that with a yard sale you will likely sell many things below market value. This is an issue if you plan to sell valuable items. However, if you have an unwanted old TV, this is a good way to get it a new home without costing you money for disposal.