Quick Answer
California law keeps TVs out of the trash. We collect the screen from your home and take it for certified e-waste recycling, with TV pickup starting at $150.
Old TVs are heavy and awkward, and tube models contain leaded glass that needs certified processing. We take the weight off your hands and make sure the screen reaches a processor equipped for its type.
Why You Cannot Throw a TV in the Trash in California
California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act (SB 20 and SB 50) classifies TVs, monitors, and computers as Covered Electronic Waste, which makes it illegal to put them in your regular trash or leave them at the curb. Old tube (CRT) TVs hold several pounds of leaded glass and flat screens use mercury backlights, which is why the state keeps them out of landfills.
Leaving a television on the street is illegal dumping in Oakland, with fines starting at $1,500. We'll remove the screen from the property and take it to certified recycling instead of leaving it on the sidewalk. See illegal dumping for details.
Option 1: Donate a Working TV
Clean, working flat screens may qualify for reuse at organizations such as Goodwill or Habitat ReStore, while older tube TVs are often refused. We check working flat screens for donation acceptance and send unsuitable sets to certified recycling, all within the same collection. See donate for details.
Option 2: Free and Low-Cost TV Recycling Near Oakland
California has a network of certified e-waste recyclers for covered devices. StopWaste provides local recycling information, and retail programs such as Best Buy impose model, size, and acceptance limits. Our TV collection covers the trip from your room to the recycling facility, not just the facility's processing step. See StopWaste for details.
Periodic e-waste collection events have limited dates and acceptance rules and do not carry TVs out of homes. The household hazardous waste facility on East 7th Street is the separate destination for paint, chemicals, and batteries we cannot haul. We'll collect the TV from the house without waiting for an event date, then take it for certified processing. See where everything goes for details.
What to Do With an Old Tube (CRT) TV
CRT TVs are heavy and contain leaded glass that requires specialized processing. Some facilities refuse them or charge extra handling fees. Tell us it's a tube model when you call so we can plan the lift, confirm its recycling route, and quote the full removal.
The Easy Option: Same-Day TV Pickup in Oakland
Leave the TV on its stand until we arrive; we'll lift it, load it, and arrange certified recycling. A single set starts at $150, and you can ask about our next available pickup. See e-waste disposal service for details.
If you are clearing other electronics at the same time, bundling them into one load is the better value. Give Oakland Junk Removal a call at (510) 616-3261 and we will take the TV off your hands.