Last updated April 2026

How to Dispose of a TV in South Florida

Legal TV disposal options for all types — flat screens, CRTs, and smart TVs — across South Florida.

Quick Answer

Throwing a TV in the regular trash is illegal in Florida. Options include free drop-off at Best Buy (most TV types, free with any in-store purchase), county e-waste events (free, monthly), or professional pickup by Umuve starting at $89 including wall-mount removal. CRT televisions require R2-certified recycling due to lead content.

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In This Guide

1. Option 1: Professional Removal2. Option 2: Free Recycling Drop-Off3. Option 3: Donation4. Option 4: Retail Recycling5. Cost Comparison6. Environmental Impact7. Common Mistakes8. FAQ

Option 1: Professional Removal by Umuve

The fastest option — starting at $89 – $199.

Umuve picks up TVs of any type and size — 80-inch flat screens, wall-mounted displays, CRT televisions, projection TVs, and computer monitors. We remove wall mounts without wall damage when requested. All TVs go to R2-certified e-waste recyclers where glass, metals, and plastics are recovered. Florida law compliance guaranteed — no TV goes to landfill.

What is Included

  • All TV types and sizes
  • Wall-mount removal included
  • R2-certified recycling facility
  • Same-day service
  • Florida law compliant disposal
Book Same-Day Pickup Call (561) 944-1636

Also see: TV Recycling service page — Available in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton

Option 2: Municipal / County Pickup

Free for South Florida residents — but requires advance scheduling.

Palm Beach County

Palm Beach County SWA HHW events accept TVs free monthly. Additionally, Best Buy locations throughout Palm Beach County accept flat screen TVs for free recycling. CRT TVs are accepted at HHW events but not typically at retail take-back programs. Visit pbcswa.com for event dates.

Broward County

Broward County's HHW Center in Davie accepts TVs every Saturday. Best Buy in Plantation (800 S Pine Island Rd) and other county locations accept flat screens. Fort Lauderdale residents can also use the Pratt & Whitney Road recycling center for electronics.

Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade DERM monthly events accept all TV types. Several Miami Best Buy locations accept flat screens for free. Check miamidade.gov/solidwaste for e-waste event schedules. Coral Gables and Miami Beach have their own electronics collection programs — check city websites.

Option 3: Donation

Working TVs less than 5 years old in good condition can be donated to Goodwill, Salvation Army, or local thrift stores. Goodwill accepts flat screen TVs in working condition at most South Florida locations. Community centers, schools, and churches sometimes accept donated TVs for classrooms or common areas. Facebook Marketplace and Nextdoor are effective for rehoming working televisions quickly. CRT televisions are almost universally unaccepted for donation — recycle these through HHW or certified e-waste programs.

Option 4: DIY Disposal

Best Buy is the most accessible TV recycling option in South Florida. They accept flat screen TVs up to 32 inches for free; larger TVs carry a $25 fee (waived with a $35+ in-store purchase). CRT TVs have a $25-$35 fee regardless. Staples accepts TVs at some locations — call ahead. The EPA eCycler locator at epa.gov/recycle lists certified recyclers near you. Never place a TV at the curb as unauthorized e-waste — it is illegal and results in citations.

Cost Comparison

Compare all options side by side.

Option Cost Timeline Your Effort Eco Impact
Umuve Professional Pickup$89 – $199Same dayZero97% recycled
Best Buy In-Store (flat screens ≤32")FreeSame dayYou transportGood
Best Buy In-Store (>32" or CRT)$25 fee (waived with purchase)Same dayYou transportGood
County HHW EventFreeNext event dateYou transportExcellent

Environmental Impact

A CRT television contains 4-8 lbs of lead in its glass — a single unit contains enough lead to contaminate an entire landfill cell if not properly managed. Modern flat screen TVs contain mercury in fluorescent backlights (older models), arsenic in LED layers, and rare earth elements throughout. At R2-certified recyclers, 97% of TV materials are recovered. Glass panels are processed for lead recovery; precious metals are extracted from circuit boards; plastic housings are pelletized for remanufacture. By law, all TVs sold in Florida are subject to a manufacturer take-back requirement, funded by the state's e-waste program.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving a TV at the curb

This is illegal in Florida. Unscheduled electronics at the curb result in code violations. Even if someone picks it up for parts, the remainder often gets abandoned nearby.

Assuming all donation centers accept TVs

Most charity thrift stores do not accept CRT TVs under any circumstances. Even for flat screens, many stores have stopped accepting them due to storage and sales challenges. Always call before transporting.

Not removing the wall mount bracket before disposal

If you want the bracket removed, specify that when booking. If you are hauling the TV yourself, the bracket stays on the wall unless you remove it. Umuve can remove brackets upon request.

Paying full Best Buy recycling fee when a purchase waives it

If you are already buying something at Best Buy — even a $35 accessory — your TV recycling fee is waived. This is worth knowing if you are heading to the store anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it illegal to throw away a TV in Florida? +

Yes. Florida Statute 403.7192 prohibits televisions from entering regular household trash or landfills. First-time violations result in warnings; subsequent violations carry fines. Use certified e-waste recycling, county drop-off events, or Best Buy.

Does Best Buy recycle TVs for free in South Florida? +

Best Buy accepts flat screen TVs up to 32 inches for free. TVs over 32 inches or CRT televisions have a $25 fee, which is waived with any $35+ in-store purchase. Most South Florida Best Buy locations participate.

Can I donate my old flat screen TV? +

If it is working and less than 5 years old, yes. Goodwill accepts flat screens at most South Florida locations. Salvation Army and community organizations also accept working TVs. CRTs are not accepted for donation anywhere in South Florida.

How much does TV pickup cost with Umuve? +

TV pickup starts at $89 for a single standard flat screen. Multiple TVs or large projector TVs may run $119-$199. Wall-mount removal is included. Pricing covers all labor, transport, and certified recycling.

Does Umuve remove wall-mounted TVs? +

Yes. Our crews unmount wall-mounted TVs carefully to avoid wall damage. The bracket hardware and mount are included in the removal. We patch any anchor holes if requested (additional fee).

What happens to recycled TVs? +

At R2-certified facilities, TVs are disassembled. Glass panels are processed for lead or rare earth recovery. Circuit boards go to precious metal smelters. Plastic housings are shredded and pelletized. Backlights with mercury are handled under strict environmental controls.

Related Guides

How to Dispose of Electronics How to Dispose of Appliances Garage Cleanout Guide Declutter Before Moving Junk Removal Cost Guide (South Florida)

Ready to Get Rid of It?

Umuve serves all of South Florida with same-day pickup starting at $89. Licensed, insured, and 92% recycled or donated. No hidden fees.

Book Free Pickup Call (561) 944-1636

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