How to Dispose of Old TVs and Electronics in Orange County

Old TVs have a way of hanging around. The heavy tube TV in the garage, the flat screen with a cracked panel, the desktop computer from 2012 and a drawer full of cords all take up space. However, you can’t simply put them in the trash. Here’s how to dispose of old TVs and other electronics in Orange County the right way.

Why Electronics Need Special Disposal

TVs, monitors, computers and many other electronics contain materials like lead, mercury and flame retardants. When they’re crushed in a landfill, those materials can leak into soil and groundwater. For that reason, California requires many electronics to be recycled rather than thrown away, and county landfills don’t accept them.

At the same time, electronics contain valuable metals and plastics that can be recovered and reused, so recycling keeps useful materials in circulation.

Option 1: Free Drop-Off at a County Hazardous Waste Center

According to OC Waste & Recycling, its household hazardous waste collection centers accept electronics at no cost for Orange County residents. That includes TVs, tablets, cell phones and computers. The centers are located in Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Irvine and San Juan Capistrano and are generally open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This is usually the easiest free way to dispose of old TVs if you can lift them into your car. However, older tube TVs can be extremely heavy, so bring a helper.

Option 2: Retailer Take-Back Programs

Some electronics retailers and manufacturers offer recycling or trade-in programs, especially when you buy a replacement. Policies change often, and some programs charge a fee for large TVs, so check with the store before you go.

Option 3: Donate or Sell Working Electronics

If the device still works, someone else may be able to use it. For example, working flat-screen TVs, laptops and tablets can often be sold online or donated. Before you give away any computer, phone or tablet, back up your files and do a full factory reset to protect your personal information.

Option 4: Community Collection Events

Cities and community groups sometimes host e-waste collection events. So check your city’s website or recycling coordinator for upcoming dates.

Option 5: Hire a Junk Removal Company

If you have several electronics, heavy tube TVs or a garage full of old equipment, a junk removal company can carry everything out and take it to a proper recycler. This is especially helpful when the electronics are part of a bigger cleanout.

Protect Your Data First

Before you dispose of old TVs with smart features, computers or phones, take a few minutes to protect your privacy:

• Sign out of streaming apps and accounts on smart TVs.
• Back up files and photos from computers and phones.
• Perform a factory reset to erase personal data.
• Remove memory cards and SIM cards.
• Consider removing or wiping hard drives from old computers.

What Not to Do

• Don’t put TVs or computers in your trash or recycling cart.
• Don’t leave electronics on the curb without a scheduled pickup.
• Don’t break open old tube TVs, which can contain hazardous materials.

The Bottom Line

Whether you use a free county drop-off, a retailer program or a pickup service, the key is keeping electronics out of the landfill. Choose the option that fits how many items you have and how heavy they are.