June 14, 2025
As technology advances, upgrading our televisions has become a common occurrence. But this leaves many Denver residents with a bulky, outdated TV and a big question: what’s the right way to get rid of it? Tossing it in a dumpster isn’t just irresponsible—it’s often against local regulations. Old televisions contain hazardous materials that can harm our beautiful Colorado environment if not handled properly. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for TV recycling prep, ensuring a smooth and responsible disposal process.
An old television is more than just plastic and glass; it’s a piece of electronic waste, or “e-waste.” E-waste is a growing concern globally and right here in Denver. Televisions, especially older Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) models, contain toxic substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. When they end up in landfills, these materials can leach into the soil and groundwater, posing a significant threat to public health and the local ecosystem.
Because of these dangers, many municipalities have specific rules for electronics disposal. Responsible recycling ensures that hazardous components are managed safely and valuable materials like copper, aluminum, and plastic are recovered and reused. By choosing professional TV removal, you’re not just clearing space in your home; you’re making an environmentally conscious choice that benefits the entire community.
Preparing your TV for pickup is straightforward and helps our team at Junk Be Gone work efficiently and safely. Follow these simple steps before we arrive for your scheduled Denver TV removal.
First, unplug the television from the wall outlet. Carefully disconnect all other devices, such as gaming consoles, speakers, and streaming boxes. Gather the power cord and any other associated cables. You can bundle them with a zip tie or twist tie to keep them organized and prevent tripping hazards.
If you are disposing of a smart TV, it’s vital to protect your personal information. These devices store login credentials for streaming services, Wi-Fi passwords, and sometimes even browsing history. Before pickup, perform a factory reset. This option is usually found in the “Settings” or “System” menu. A factory reset will erase all your personal data, restoring the TV to its original state.
While not always necessary, knowing the type and size of your TV can be helpful when you schedule your pickup. Is it a heavy, deep CRT model, a flat-screen plasma, or a lightweight LED? Measuring the screen diagonally will give you its size. Providing these details helps us send the right team and equipment for the job.
For the safety of our crew and your property, please ensure there is a clear path from the TV’s location to the exit of your home or office. Remove any furniture, rugs, or other obstacles that might be in the way. This is especially important for large, heavy televisions or if stairs are involved. A clear path allows for a quick and damage-free removal.
Not all TVs are created equal, especially when it comes to recycling. Here’s a quick breakdown of common types and why their disposal methods differ.
| TV Type | Key Characteristics | Recycling Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) | Deep, heavy, and boxy. Ruled the market before flat-screens. | Contains several pounds of lead in the funnel glass, requiring specialized handling to prevent contamination. |
| Plasma | Early flat-screen models, known for being heavy and generating heat. | The glass screens can contain lead and rare earth metals that must be processed correctly. |
| LCD/LED | Thinner, lighter, and more energy-efficient. The most common type today. | Contains mercury in the fluorescent lamps (in older LCDs) and various plastics and metals that can be recycled. |
Regardless of the type, professional junk removal services ensure each unit is sent to the appropriate facility for dismantling and recycling.
When you need to get rid of an old TV, trying to do it yourself can be a hassle. You have to find a certified e-waste recycler, figure out how to transport a heavy item, and potentially pay recycling fees. At Junk Be Gone, we simplify the entire process. As a Denver-owned company with over a decade of experience, we provide a seamless solution for your electronics disposal needs.
Let Junk Be Gone handle your old TV and other unwanted electronics responsibly. We make disposal easy, eco-friendly, and completely hassle-free for our Denver neighbors.
We can remove and recycle all types of televisions, including old CRT models, plasma screens, LCDs, LEDs, and large projection TVs. Our team is equipped to handle items of any size or weight.
Your old TV is transported to a certified e-waste recycling facility. There, it is carefully dismantled. Hazardous materials are safely contained, and recyclable components like glass, plastic, and metals are recovered to be used in manufacturing new products.
Absolutely! We can take a wide range of other items during the same appointment. This includes computers, monitors, printers, stereos, and even large items like those requiring appliance removal. Just let us know what you need gone when you book your service.
No, you don’t. Our service is full-service, which means we’ll remove the TV from wherever it is located in your home or business—whether that’s the living room, basement, or a storage unit. You don’t have to lift a finger.
Televisions are banned from landfills in Colorado due to the hazardous materials they contain. Improper disposal can lead to environmental contamination. Using a professional service ensures you are complying with state and local laws for electronics disposal.
Discarded electronic devices such as televisions, computers, and cell phones. E-waste often contains toxic materials that require special handling and recycling procedures.
The display technology used in older, heavier televisions and computer monitors. The glass tubes contain a significant amount of lead to shield users from radiation, making them hazardous if broken or landfilled.
A software feature that restores an electronic device, like a smart TV, to its original system state by erasing all user-added information, settings, and applications.
