Everyone knows that technology can change in the blink of an eye.
Because of this, many Australians have an old box TV or plasma that’s been collecting dust for years. And since these older models are so outdated and cumbersome, you can’t drop these off at The Salvos.
Not to worry! Recycling your old television set in Australia is actually very simple.
Want to know how to dispose of old TV units for free and what the benefits are? Read on!
Quick Guide to TV Recycling
- Drop-Off or Collection: Bring your TVs to our e-waste recycling yard us or arrange a collection.
- Data Security: For smart TVs, all personal data is securely wiped to protect your privacy.
- Sorting: TVs are assessed and sorted based on type (CRT, LCD, LED, Plasma) and condition for specialised recycling processes.
- Dismantling: Components like screens, circuit boards, and casings are carefully disassembled. Hazardous materials such as leaded glass and mercury are safely removed.
- Recycling Components:
- Metals: Metals like copper, aluminium, and steel are extracted and sent for reuse.
- Plastics: Sorted and processed for reuse in various applications.
- Glass: Screen glass is processed and recycled appropriately.
- Electronic Components: Treated to recover valuable materials.
- Environmentally Safe Disposal: Hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and phosphor coatings are handled responsibly to prevent environmental harm.
- Final Processing: Remaining materials undergo further processing to maximise recycling and minimise waste.
Please note: Proof of ID is required for payment.
How to Dispose of Old TVs for Free
So what’s the best way to dispose of old TV for free? In most cases, it’s quite fast and requires little effort besides locating a company that specialises in e-cycling. With a trustworthy and efficient company like Collins Recycling, the process can be broken down into just three simple steps!
1. Call for a pick-up quote or deliver yourself to us.
One of the best reasons to choose our service is that we offer flexible recycling options. Choose from our delivery or collection services* depending on whichever is most convenient for you. We offer domestic, commercial, and industrial recycling services and are committed to reducing the amount of electronic waste or e-waste that ends up in Australia’s landfills each year.
Getting started is incredibly easy. Just fill out our online form located on our website or give us a phone call and we’ll handle the rest of the arrangements.
*Note: For a pick-up cost estimate, get in touch with one of our friendly team members.
2. Get cash for your scrap!
One of the best things about recycling your old television is that you can help reduce the waste that goes into landfills and get some extra cash! We’re known for both our professional, reliable service and great pricing and are committed to ensuring each of our clients has a great experience with our services.
We also accept a variety of different e-waste besides televisions, including:
- All lithium batteries
- CPUs
- Ram cards
- PCB boards
- Power supplies
- Mobile phones and tablets
- Computer towers
- Power supplies
- HDD/DD
- Heat sinks
- Cables and leads
- Transformers
3. We’ll recycle it for you.
Once we’ve received your television, your work here is done! We’ll take care of the rest, making sure that your old TV is recycled in a safe and environmentally friendly way. In many cases, over ninety percent of materials in technological items like computers and mobiles can be reused or recycled. They also include valuable materials such as
- Lead
- Copper
- Gold
- Silver
- Steel
- Iron
The materials of your television will be separated in our electronic waste disposal centre to ensure the high possible standards. Our services are fast and easy and are perfect for any business or individual looking to get rid of their old TV set.
Can I Get Paid When Recycling My Old TV?
Yes, you can. In general, pricing for most TV recycling services will depend on the job and the item. Smaller box TVs may not be as heavy or cumbersome to deal with compared to multiple, large television systems.
In many cases, you can contact a recycling company to receive a detailed, free estimate. It’s a good idea to speak with the company directly to ensure you understand the services they offer, the materials that they accept, and how their pricing works. While there are many free e-waste recycling programs that exist in Australia, there are also some scrap metal recycling companies that will pay you for old materials like your television.
What Are the Benefits of Recycling My Old TV?
There are many reasons to choose to recycle your old TV besides the convenience that it offers. Here are some of the other important reasons to choose to recycle your old television set, rather than just throwing it out:
1. It’s more environmentally friendly.
Unfortunately, a lot of e-waste including TVs contains materials that are extremely toxic or harmful to people and the environment, including:
- Heavy metals
- Plastic
- Lead
Materials such as these can have devastating environmental effects if they’re not disposed of properly. It can even enter the groundwater, contaminating the water we drink, as well as the food that we eat.
2. It lessens overall economic costs.
TVs and other e-waste contain a lot of key natural resources that are important to reuse as much as possible, such as:
- Copper
- Silver
- Aluminium
Recycling your old television also minimises the energy and labour that is used to manufacture or mine new materials, giving old parts and materials from your TV a second life.
3. It’s against the law to place it in the bin.
In certain parts of Australia, as well as in other countries, it is actually illegal to dispose of e-waste in your regular household bin due to the environmental and waste concerns that this action presents. Many other territories and states also strongly frown upon it.
In Australia, eighty-eight percent of TVs and computers end up in landfill, with e-waste responsible for seventy percent of the toxic chemicals found in them. It’s a huge issue for many of them and recycling your TV can help to offset some of this e-waste
Wondering Where to Take Old TVs or Other E-Waste?
Wondering where to take old TVs like the one that’s lying around your house or garage? Recycling your old television set has a hugely positive impact on the environment, helping to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in Australia’s landfills while also helping to conserve the earth’s limited natural resources. It protects our groundwater and the food we eat, preventing toxic chemicals from being released into the environment and preserving our health.
Here at Collins Recycling, we’re a family-owned, locally-operated scrap metal business that has been providing high-quality service in the industry for twenty-eight years. We accept a variety of materials besides just old televisions, including:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Electronic products
- Copper
- Radiators
- Brass
- Electric cable
- Lead
- Aluminium cans
- Steel
- Batteries
Our friendly and efficient team provides both pickup and delivery services, so you can simply select the option that works best for you. We also offer free quotes and are more than happy to assist you with any questions that you may have regarding recycling your television. Get in touch with us now!
TV Recycling FAQs
If you have questions about TV recycling, we’re here to help! Here are some of the most common FAQs regarding recycling your old TV.
Can’t I just throw my TV in the trash?
In many parts of Australia like Victoria, it is actually against the law to throw out your old television set! This is because the material that e-waste often contains can present huge issues to the environment, polluting the soils and creating a public health risk. In the areas where it is still technically legal, it is often strongly discouraged.
Can I recycle my old TV?
Yes! There are many ways to recycle your old TV, including everything from free programs such as the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme to recycling companies that will actually pay you cash for your old TV. Recycling your TV is one of the best ways to dispose of it and ensures that the materials it contains can be reused in future technology.
How does recycling my old TV work?
Most of the time, recycling your old TV is very easy. Contact a local scrap metal company like Collins Recycling and request a free quote. After that, you can either have your TV picked up or deliver it to us depending on your preference. After that, we’ll take care of the rest.
Why is it important to recycle my old TV?
The impact of e-waste can be devastating. It has been linked to a number of health and environmental risks, including:
- The release of toxic chemicals into our air
- Polluting our water and soil
- Triggering respiratory, digestive, neurological, and bone diseases
How do I recycle my TV in an environmentally friendly way?
The best way to dispose of your TV is to take it to an experienced knowledgeable e-waste recycler who can properly sort and handle the materials that it contains. This ensures that it is disposed of safely and as many parts as possible are saved from the landfill and reused.