Advice · 4 min read · Updated 6 November 2026
8 myths about getting rid of an old TV in the UK, busted
Myths 1 and 2: The bin and the free council collection
These two myths often go together, because people assume a TV is just bulky rubbish that the council will deal with.
Size makes no difference. Every TV is electrical waste and must be recycled separately under the WEEE rules. Small TVs, portable sets and old kitchen TVs all contain circuit boards, metals and sometimes hazardous parts that should not go to landfill. Batteries and electricals in bins also cause fires in bin lorries and waste sites.
Myth 2, that the council collects old TVs for free, is also widespread. Some councils do, but most charge for bulky waste collections. Typical charges for a collection that includes a TV are around £15 to £60, depending on the area and how many items are collected. Some councils offer reduced rates for people on certain benefits. What is free in almost every area is taking the TV to a household waste recycling centre yourself.
Myth 3: The shop has to take my old TV away
Retailers do have take-back duties, but with conditions. A shop selling you a new TV must either take your old one back free on a like-for-like basis or belong to a scheme that funds local recycling centres instead. Many smaller shops use the scheme. Collection from your home when a new TV is delivered is often offered but is not always free, and is not yet a universal legal requirement.
Myth 4: You must tell TV Licensing when you get rid of a TV
A TV Licence is needed to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or to use BBC iPlayer, on any device. It is not linked to owning a TV set. If you get rid of a TV but still watch live TV or iPlayer on another device, you still need a licence and there is nothing to tell. If you will no longer need a licence at all, you can cancel it and may be able to claim a refund for unused full months.
Myth 5: Old TVs are worth money as scrap
A TV contains some metal, but far more glass and plastic, and recycling it costs money rather than making it. Scrap metal dealers generally do not want TVs. Old CRT sets in particular cost more to treat because of their leaded glass. The exceptions are recent working smart TVs, which can sell locally, and some vintage CRT sets and retro gaming monitors that collectors seek out.
Myth 6: Anyone offering free collection is fine to use
Social media and leaflet offers to take old TVs away for free or very cheaply are sometimes from collectors who strip out metal and dump the rest. If your TV is fly-tipped, it can be traced back to you. In England householders can be fined up to £600 through a fixed penalty for passing waste to an unauthorised collector.
- Ask for the collector's waste carrier registration number
- Check it on the public register
- Ask where the TV will be taken
- Get the price in writing
Myth 7: Smashing an old TV makes it easier to dispose of
Breaking a TV makes it more hazardous, not less. CRT tubes are under vacuum and can implode, sending glass flying, and their glass contains lead. Older LCD backlights contain mercury. Broken screens are harder and less safe for recycling staff to handle. Keep TVs whole, upright and with the screen protected.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Small TVs can go in the bin | All TVs must be recycled separately |
| Council collections are free | Most charge, the tip is usually free |
| Shops must collect from your home | Take-back has conditions |
| Tell TV Licensing when the TV goes | Only if you no longer need a licence |
| TVs are worth scrap money | Recycling usually costs money |
| Any free collector is fine | Use a registered waste carrier |
| Breaking it up helps | It makes it more dangerous |
| Factory reset is optional | It protects your accounts |
Myth 8: You do not need to reset a TV before it goes
Smart TVs often stay signed in to streaming services, manufacturer accounts and sometimes payment methods. Anyone who gets the TV working again could access your accounts. Signing out of apps and doing a factory reset takes a few minutes. It is also worth removing the TV from the device lists in your streaming accounts.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a TV Licence if I only have a TV for games and DVDs?
You need a TV Licence to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or to use BBC iPlayer. If you only use your TV for games, DVDs and on-demand services other than iPlayer, without watching live TV, you may not need one. Check the current rules on the TV Licensing website, as they set the official position.
Is it illegal to put a TV in a black bin bag with rubbish?
Putting electrical waste in household bins goes against the WEEE rules and your council's collection rules, and councils may refuse to empty bins containing electricals. Councils can take action where waste is not presented correctly. More importantly, it is unsafe, as electricals and batteries can cause fires. Take the TV to a recycling centre or book a collection.
Are vintage CRT TVs worth anything?
Some are. Certain CRT sets and professional monitors are sought after by retro gaming and vintage collectors, especially in good working order. Most ordinary CRT TVs, though, have little or no resale value and cost more to recycle than modern sets. If yours works, it may be worth a local listing before you pay for disposal.
myths TV Licence council collections recycling
