Somewhere in your house — the basement, the garage, a closet — there’s probably an old TV you haven’t turned on in years. Maybe it’s a heavy CRT from the early 2000s. Maybe it’s a flat screen that got replaced when you upgraded. Either way, it’s taking up space, and you’re not quite sure what to do with it.
You’re not alone. Older TVs are heavy, awkward to move, and contain hazardous materials (lead, mercury, cadmium) that make regular trash pickup a no-go. But there are plenty of options beyond letting it collect dust. Here are 10 practical things you can do with that old TV.
1. Recycle It
The most straightforward responsible option. TVs contain glass, metals, and plastics that can all be recovered and reused. Recycling keeps hazardous materials out of the ground and reduces the need to mine new raw materials.
Where to recycle:
- Your city or county’s e-waste recycling program (check their website for drop-off locations)
- Best Buy and Staples have electronics recycling drop-offs at most locations
- Special collection events run by local governments (usually a few times per year)
Some facilities accept TVs for free; others charge a small handling fee, especially for CRT models.
2. Donate It
If your TV still works, someone can use it. Schools, shelters, community centers, and nonprofits often need TVs for classrooms, common areas, and programs.
Organizations that accept working TVs:
- Goodwill and Salvation Army
- Habitat for Humanity ReStores
- Local schools, libraries, and community centers
- Freecycle — post it and someone local will come pick it up
Call ahead to confirm they accept TVs and check if there are size or model restrictions. Some donations may be tax-deductible.
3. Turn It Into Furniture
Old CRT TVs have that distinctive boxy shape that works surprisingly well as furniture. Remove the internal components (carefully — CRT tubes hold a charge), clean out the shell, and you’ve got a blank canvas.
Popular conversions:
- Bookshelf or display case: Add shelves inside the shell for books, collectibles, or plants
- Pet bed: Line the inside with a cushion — cats love these
- Storage cabinet: Add a door or leave it open for easy access
A coat of paint turns it from “old junk” to “conversation piece.”
4. Upcycle It Into Art or Decor
TV parts make for genuinely interesting art projects:
- Circuit board wall art: The intricate patterns look great mounted on frames — industrial and futuristic at the same time
- Shadow box display: Use the hollow shell to showcase memorabilia, photos, or themed collections
- Lamps and lighting: Internal components can be wired into unique lamp designs
5. Salvage Parts for Electronics Projects
If you like tinkering, an old TV is a parts goldmine. Speakers, capacitors, resistors, wiring, screens, knobs, and switches all have uses in other projects.
Project ideas: homemade Bluetooth speakers from TV speakers, custom amplifiers, interactive displays, or robotics experiments. Websites like Instructables and YouTube have step-by-step tutorials for turning salvaged parts into something new.
Safety note: CRT tubes hold a dangerous electrical charge even when unplugged. Discharge them properly before handling, and always wear gloves and safety goggles.
6. Give It to a Repair Hobbyist
Electronics repair enthusiasts see old TVs the way woodworkers see a pile of reclaimed lumber — raw material with potential. Post it for free on Freecycle, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace with a note that it’s available for parts or repair.
Local makerspaces and repair cafes are another option. These community workshops teach repair skills and are always looking for equipment to work on.
7. Set Up a Retro Gaming Station
This one’s for the gamers. CRT TVs are actually the best displays for retro consoles like NES, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo, and PlayStation 1. The analog technology handles lower resolutions without the input lag and distortion you get on modern screens.
Connecting is simple — most classic consoles use RCA cables that plug directly into CRTs. Set up a dedicated corner with your old TV, a vintage console, and a stack of cartridges, and you’ve got a gaming setup that plays classics exactly the way they were meant to look.
8. Sell It
Working TVs — especially certain CRT models sought by retro gaming collectors — can sell for more than you’d expect. Even flat screens a few years old have resale value.
Where to sell:
- Facebook Marketplace (local, no shipping hassle)
- Craigslist
- eBay (for niche models that collectors search for)
9. Use It as a Secondary Monitor
If your old TV has HDMI input, it can work as a second display for your computer. Plug it in, extend your desktop, and use it for email, music, or reference material while you work on your main screen. A lot of older flat screens work perfectly fine as a secondary monitor in a home office or workshop.
10. Call a Junk Removal Service
If none of the above appeals to you, the simplest option is to have someone come get it. Professional junk removal takes about 15 minutes of your time: you point at the TV, the crew carries it out, loads it up, and it’s gone.
At Junk B Gone, TV disposal is one of our most common pickups. We handle everything from 200-pound CRTs to broken flat screens. Through our nonprofit Second Spark, recyclable components get processed properly — glass, metals, and plastics are separated and sent to the right facilities instead of a landfill.
Don’t Call the 800 Number. Call Your Neighbors.
Locally owned since 1989. Not a franchise. Not a call center. Just us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put an old TV in the regular trash?
No. Most cities prohibit TVs in regular trash because of the hazardous materials they contain (lead, mercury, cadmium). You’ll need to recycle it, donate it, or use a junk removal service.
How much does TV removal cost?
At Junk B Gone, pricing starts at $99. We give free estimates before starting any work. The price depends on the size and number of TVs, but there are no hidden fees or surcharges.
Do you pick up old TVs from inside the house?
Yes. You don’t have to carry anything to the curb. Our crew comes to wherever the TV is — basement, attic, second floor — and carries it out for you.
Are CRT TVs worth anything?
Some are. Retro gaming collectors specifically seek out certain CRT models (especially Sony Trinitrons and professional monitors). Check retro gaming forums or eBay to see if your model has value before disposing of it.
What happens to TVs after Junk B Gone picks them up?
We sort every load. Working TVs can be donated through Second Spark. Non-working TVs are disassembled and their components — glass, metals, plastics, circuit boards — are sent to specialized recycling facilities. About 80% of what we haul avoids the landfill.
Old TVs Taking Up Space?
Free estimates, same-day service, and a crew that treats your home like their own.
