If you have an old TV taking up space in your garage, living room, or storage unit, you are not alone. Millions of televisions are replaced every year, and figuring out what to do with the old one can feel overwhelming. Whether you have a bulky CRT from the early 2000s or a newer flat screen that stopped working, you can not simply toss it in the trash in California. The good news? There are several safe, legal, and eco-friendly ways to dispose of a TV in Orange County.
In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about TV disposal in Orange County and Los Angeles: California regulations, the differences between CRT and flat screen disposal, local recycling options, costs, and why hiring a professional junk removal service is often the smartest move.
California has some of the strictest e-waste laws in the country, and for good reason. Televisions, both old CRTs and modern flat screens, contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment and public health when they end up in landfills.
Under California’s Electronic Waste Recycling Act (SB 20), it is illegal to throw TVs and monitors into the regular trash. This law applies to all California residents, businesses, and property managers. Violating this law can result in fines and penalties.
The hazardous materials found in televisions include:
When these materials leach into soil and groundwater at landfills, they create serious environmental and health risks for surrounding communities. That is why California requires all TVs to be recycled through certified e-waste programs.
Not all TVs are created equal when it comes to disposal. The type of television you have affects how it should be handled, where you can take it, and what it costs to recycle.
CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions are the heavy, boxy sets that were standard before flat screens took over. These are the most difficult and expensive TVs to dispose of because:
Many curbside recycling programs and even some e-waste facilities have stopped accepting CRT TVs because of the cost involved in processing them safely. This makes professional TV removal services especially valuable for CRT disposal.
Modern flat screen televisions are lighter and contain fewer hazardous materials than CRTs, but they still cannot go in regular trash. LCD screens may contain mercury in the backlight tubes, and plasma TVs contain small amounts of xenon and neon gas. LED and OLED screens are the least hazardous, but all flat screens contain circuit boards with recyclable metals and components that require proper handling.
Flat screens are generally easier and less expensive to recycle than CRTs, and most e-waste recycling centers in Orange County accept them.
Here are the most common ways to get rid of an old TV in Orange County, from free drop-off options to full-service professional removal.
The OC Waste and Recycling program operates several household hazardous waste collection sites where Orange County residents can drop off old TVs for free. Current locations include:
These centers accept CRT and flat screen TVs from residential sources at no charge. Hours and availability vary, so check the OC Waste and Recycling website before visiting.
Some electronics retailers offer TV recycling when you purchase a new television:
Retailer programs are convenient if you are buying a replacement, but they often have size limitations and may not accept CRT models.
Many Orange County cities offer free or low-cost bulky item pickup programs for residents. Contact your city’s waste management provider to schedule a pickup. For example:
Keep in mind that wait times can be weeks, and some programs only accept one or two large items per pickup.
California maintains a list of certified e-waste collectors and recyclers through the CalRecycle program. These facilities are inspected and approved to handle hazardous electronic waste safely. Search for certified recyclers near you on the CalRecycle website.
If you want your old TV gone today without the hassle of loading it into your car, driving to a recycling center, and waiting in line, professional junk removal is the way to go. At Junk Smiths, we specialize in electronics and TV removal throughout Orange County and Los Angeles.
Here is what makes professional TV removal the easiest option:
Wondering whether to handle TV disposal yourself or call a pro? Here is a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
| Factor | DIY TV Disposal | Professional TV Removal (Junk Smiths) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free to $30 (gas, potential drop-off fees) | Volume-based pricing, starts around $75+ |
| Convenience | You load, transport, and drop off | We come to you and handle everything |
| Speed | Depends on facility hours and wait times | Same-day or next-day pickup available |
| Heavy Lifting | You move the TV yourself (CRTs can be 100+ lbs) | Our crew handles all the lifting |
| CRT Acceptance | Limited, many facilities no longer accept CRTs | We accept all TV types including CRTs |
| Multiple Items | Multiple trips may be needed | We take everything in one visit |
| Eco-Friendly Disposal | Varies by facility | Recycling and donation prioritized |
| Vehicle Requirements | Need a truck or large SUV for big TVs | No vehicle needed |
| Best For | Small flat screens, one item at a time | CRTs, multiple items, heavy TVs, no hassle |
For a single small flat screen, dropping it off at a recycling center can work. But for CRT TVs, multiple electronics, or situations where you simply do not have the time or vehicle, professional removal saves you the effort and ensures proper disposal.
The cost of getting rid of an old TV depends on the method you choose and the type of TV you have.
Professional junk removal pricing is typically based on the volume of space your items take up in the truck. For TV removal specifically:
At Junk Smiths, we provide upfront, transparent quotes before we start any work. There are no hidden fees, no surprise charges. You only pay for the space your items take up in our truck.
Illegal dumping of electronics is a serious offense in California. If you leave a TV on the curb, in an alley, or at an unauthorized dump site, you could face:
Beyond the legal consequences, illegal dumping harms your neighbors and community. Lead and mercury from dumped TVs can contaminate soil and water sources. It also degrades neighborhood property values and creates an eyesore.
The smarter, legal approach is to use one of the disposal options outlined above. And when you use an eco-friendly service like Junk Smiths, you can be confident your old TV is being recycled or disposed of responsibly.
At Junk Smiths, we are a family-owned junk removal company based in Huntington Beach, CA. We have been serving Orange County and Los Angeles for years, and electronics disposal is one of our most requested services.
Here is how our TV removal process works:
Whether you have one old TV or a full house of electronics to clear out, we handle it all with the care and professionalism you would expect from a local, family-owned business.
Before your TV is picked up or dropped off for recycling, follow these steps:
If your TV still works, donating it is the most eco-friendly option. Here are local organizations that may accept working televisions:
Donating a working TV keeps it out of the waste stream entirely and gives it a second life with someone who needs it. If you are unsure whether your TV is worth donating, our team at Junk Smiths can help you decide during pickup. We always look for opportunities to donate items rather than recycle them.
No. In California, it is illegal to throw TVs in the regular trash due to the hazardous materials they contain. TVs must be recycled through a certified e-waste program, taken to a household hazardous waste facility, or picked up by a licensed junk removal service.
Orange County has several options for TV recycling. You can use county HHW collection centers in Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Irvine, or San Juan Capistrano. Best Buy stores also accept small TVs for free. For the most convenient option, call Junk Smiths at 714-369-8886 for same-day TV pickup and recycling.
Free options are available at county recycling centers and some retailers. Professional TV removal typically costs $75 to $200 depending on TV type, size, and location. CRT TVs cost more due to their weight and hazardous material content. Junk Smiths offers transparent, volume-based pricing with free quotes.
Yes. Professional junk removal companies like Junk Smiths accept all types of TVs including CRTs, LCD, LED, plasma, and OLED models. We handle the heavy lifting, transport, and eco-friendly disposal so you do not have to.
A broken TV should be recycled through a certified e-waste facility or picked up by a professional junk removal service. Do not attempt to break it apart yourself, as CRTs contain lead and LCD screens may contain mercury. Junk Smiths will safely remove and recycle your broken TV.
Yes. Leaving a TV on the curb, in an alley, or at an unauthorized location is considered illegal dumping in California. First-time offenders can face fines up to $1,000, and repeat offenses carry fines up to $10,000. Commercial dumping penalties can reach $25,000.
If your TV still works, donating is a great option. Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and The Salvation Army in Orange County accept working televisions. Junk Smiths also prioritizes donation for items that are still in good condition.
CRT TVs are the hardest to dispose of because of their weight and lead content. Many recycling centers have stopped accepting them. Your best options are county HHW centers (free) or a professional junk removal service like Junk Smiths that handles CRT disposal directly.
Copyright © 2024 - 2025 · Junk Smiths | Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions