October 8, 2025
The holiday season is just around the corner, bringing with it cozy evenings, family gatherings, and of course, marathon streaming sessions of your favorite festive movies. Many Denver residents see this as the perfect time to upgrade their entertainment setup with a new, state-of-the-art flat screen. But as the new TV is unboxed, a familiar question arises: what do you do with the old one? Tucking it away in a garage or basement isn’t a long-term solution, and simply putting it on the curb isn’t just an option—it’s against the law.
That old flat screen TV is more than just an outdated piece of equipment; it’s classified as electronic waste, or “e-waste.” Modern TVs, including LCD and LED models, contain materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium. If these devices end up in a landfill, those toxic substances can leach into the soil and groundwater, posing a significant risk to our local environment and public health.
Fortunately, Colorado takes e-waste seriously. The state’s Electronic Recycling Jobs Act explicitly bans televisions and other electronics from being thrown in the trash. This law ensures that the valuable and hazardous materials inside are managed correctly, promoting a circular economy and protecting our beautiful Colorado landscape. When you choose professional recycling services in Denver, you’re not just clearing clutter—you’re making a responsible choice for the community.
Before your old TV leaves your home, there are a few simple steps to take to ensure a smooth and secure disposal process. This is especially important for smart TVs that store personal information.
1. Disconnect and Gather Accessories: Unplug the TV from the wall and carefully disconnect all connected devices like cable boxes, gaming consoles, and soundbars. Gather the power cord and remote control to go with the TV.
2. Perform a Factory Reset: If you have a smart TV, this is the most critical step. Navigate to the settings menu and find the option to perform a factory reset. This will wipe your streaming service logins, Wi-Fi passwords, and other personal data, protecting your privacy.
3. Document the Details: Briefly note the brand and model number. While it may not be useful to you, a professional service might be able to determine if any components are salvageable or if it’s eligible for a specific donation pickup service.
Navigating Denver e-waste regulations can feel complicated. While the city offers some resources, your best choice depends on convenience, time, and your ability to transport a bulky item. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options.
| Disposal Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Recycling Drop-off | Potentially lower direct cost (Denver offers some discounted programs). | Requires your own time, labor, and a suitable vehicle. Can be difficult with large, heavy TVs. You must find the correct certified facility. |
| Retailer Take-Back Programs | Sometimes offered when purchasing a new TV. | Often comes with fees, limitations on size/type, and may not be available from all retailers. |
| Professional Junk Removal | Completely hassle-free. The team does all the heavy lifting. Ensures compliance with all local laws. Can take other junk at the same time. | Involves a service fee for the convenience, but saves you significant time and effort. |
For busy Denver professionals and families, spending a weekend afternoon hauling an old TV across town isn’t ideal. That’s where Junk Be Gone simplifies the process. As a locally-owned company with over a decade of experience, we specialize in responsible and efficient junk TV removal in Denver. We handle everything from carefully removing the television from your home to ensuring it gets to a certified recycling facility.
Our service isn’t just about TVs. Upgrading your holiday entertainment setup might also mean getting rid of old speakers, broken DVD players, or even the bulky entertainment center itself. We can handle all your Denver junk removal needs in a single visit, clearing the way for your new setup and saving you from making multiple trips. Let us manage the clutter so you can focus on preparing for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season.
Don’t let that old flat screen take up valuable space. Schedule your fast and friendly TV removal service with Junk Be Gone today and get your home ready for holiday streaming.
No. In accordance with Colorado’s Electronic Recycling Jobs Act, it is illegal to dispose of TVs and other e-waste in landfills. Items left on the curb will likely not be collected by municipal services, and you could face fines.
We partner with certified e-waste recycling facilities. There, the TV is carefully dismantled. Components like plastics, metals, and glass are separated and processed to be reused in new manufacturing, while hazardous materials are disposed of safely according to regulations.
Absolutely. We can remove a wide range of items, including old appliances, computers, and sound systems as part of our comprehensive junk removal service. We can also haul away the large cardboard box and styrofoam packaging from your new television, ensuring it is recycled properly.