How to Dispose of a Flat Screen TV in San Diego — Plus E-Waste, Batteries & Bulbs
Where to discard an old TV is a bigger question in California than in most states. TVs and monitors are electronic waste, and it's illegal to throw them in the trash. Here's how to dispose of a flat screen TV, a tube TV or other electronics in San Diego.
Can you throw a TV in a dumpster?
No. In California, TVs, computer monitors, laptops and tablets are covered electronic waste, so they can't go in a dumpster, a trash cart or a landfill trash load. You can't throw away a TV with household trash, even a small one. Disposing of a flat screen TV means taking it to an e-waste collector or recycler.
Where to dispose of old TVs in San Diego
- Certified e-waste recyclers. Most accept TVs and monitors at no charge. San Diego e-recycle sites are spread from Mira Mesa to Chula Vista.
- Free e-waste collection events. Cities and nonprofits hold them through the year, including drop-off days in East County cities like Lemon Grove and El Cajon. Free e-waste pick up in the City of San Diego is limited, so check the City's website for current options.
- Some electronics retailers take back smaller electronics. Call first about TVs.
- TV pickup. We pick up TVs from homes in Point Loma, Solana Beach, Mira Mesa and everywhere else in the county and take them to certified recyclers.
Tube TV recycling
Old CRT tube TVs contain leaded glass and are heavy, often 100+ pounds. Where to dump a tube TV? Never at the curb. Tube TV recycling has to go through an e-waste recycler. Carry it upright with two people, or let our crew do the lifting.
Computers, batteries, bulbs and paint
- Computers and laptops: e-waste recyclers take them, and many are free. Free computer recycling events pop up in North County cities like Solana Beach. Wipe your drives first.
- Battery disposal in San Diego: all batteries are banned from the trash in California. Many retailers take rechargeable batteries, and the City's household hazardous waste facility accepts them by appointment.
- Bulbs: fluorescent tubes and CFLs are hazardous waste and need to be recycled. Incandescent bulbs aren't hazardous, but incandescent recycling isn't widely offered, so they normally go in the trash, wrapped.
- Paint: leftover paint goes to a PaintCare drop-off site, which is free in California. Businesses and homes with very large volumes can request PaintCare's paint pickup service. We don't haul wet paint.
- Other hazardous waste: City of San Diego hazardous waste disposal is handled at the household hazardous waste facility at Miramar Landfill, by appointment.
Book TV and e-waste pickup in San Diego
(619) 999-3565Frequently asked questions
Where can you get rid of an old TV for free?
Many certified e-waste recyclers and collection events take TVs free. If you can't move it, our TV pickup is priced per item with a $130 minimum, and we recycle it properly.
How do I dispose of a flat screen TV that's broken?
Broken flat screens are still e-waste. Tape any cracked screen, keep it upright and take it to an e-waste recycler, or book a pickup.
Is there television recycling with pickup in San Diego?
Yes. We pick up TVs and monitors anywhere in San Diego County, including Point Loma, Solana Beach and Mira Mesa, and deliver them to certified recyclers.
