How to dispose of an old TV in the UK: every option explained
Updated 6 November 2026 · By the TV Disposal team
Short answer: Old TVs in the UK must not go in household bins because they are electrical waste. The main options are taking it to a household waste recycling centre for free, returning it to a retailer when you buy a replacement, booking a council bulky waste collection, or using a registered waste carrier to collect it. Working TVs can also be sold or donated.
Your options compared
| Option | Cost | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Household waste recycling centre | Free | People with a suitable car |
| Retailer take-back | Free to small fee | Buying a new TV |
| Council bulky waste collection | Fee varies by council | Kerbside collection |
| Private collection by a registered carrier | Fixed price | Heavy, upstairs or wall-mounted TVs |
| Sell or donate | Free or small income | Working, recent TVs |
Before it goes
- Sign out of streaming apps and accounts on smart TVs
- Do a factory reset to clear saved logins and Wi-Fi details
- Remove any batteries from the remote
- Keep the stand or bracket together with the TV if it is going for reuse
Check who is taking it
If someone collects your TV, check they are a registered waste carrier. If your waste is fly-tipped by an unregistered collector, you can be held responsible. In England the fixed penalty for householders can be up to £600.
Related guides
- How much does TV disposal cost in the UK? (2026 guide)
- CRT TV disposal: how to get rid of an old tube TV safely
- TV disposal for businesses: duty of care, waste codes and paperwork (UK)
- How to wipe a smart TV before you get rid of it
- How to take down a wall-mounted TV safely (and what to do with the bracket)
- TV disposal for landlords and letting agents: what the law says and how to handle it
- How to choose a TV collection service: checks, red flags and fair prices
Need a quote? We cover 250 towns and cities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.