How to get rid of a TV in New York City, NY

In New York City it is illegal to put a TV in the trash or recycling. Take it to a retail or nonprofit e-waste drop-off, a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off site or SAFE Disposal event, or use ecycleNYC if your building has 10 or more units.

Last checked against the official NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) website. See sources.

Curbside
Not allowed: it is illegal to put e-waste in trash or recycling
How
Retail or nonprofit drop-off, DSNY events or ecycleNYC
Cost
Not listed on DSNY's page

City pickup: not available for TVs

DSNY does not collect TVs at the curb. Putting e-waste in the trash or recycling is illegal in NYC.

Why

  • DSNY says it is illegal to dispose of certain electronics with trash or recycling.
  • Televisions, VCRs, DVD players, cable boxes and cords are covered e-waste under New York State's Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act.

Skip to your real options: drop it off, donate it, recycling and rebate programs.

Option 1: Recycling and rebate programs

  • ecycleNYC: free e-waste collection for apartment buildings with 10 or more units. Your building enrolls through DSNY.
  • Manufacturer take-back programs: DSNY lists these as an option for TVs and other covered electronics.

Option 2: Drop it off yourself

  • A retail or non-profit drop-off location that accepts e-waste (DSNY links a locator on its Electronics page).
  • A DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off site.
  • A SAFE Disposal event or a Community E-Waste Event.

Option 3: Donate or give it away

  • If the TV still works, you can give it away to a neighbor or through a community exchange. Charities set their own rules for electronics, so call before you drop one off.

Donation rules are set by each charity and can change. Call before you load up.

What we could not confirm

  • DSNY's Electronics page does not list drop-off fees, site addresses or event dates. Check the linked DSNY page for current sites and schedules.

Common questions

Can I leave an old TV on the curb in NYC?
No. DSNY says it is illegal to dispose of e-waste, including televisions, with trash or recycling.
My building has 10 or more apartments. What should I do?
Ask your building to enroll in ecycleNYC, DSNY's e-waste program for buildings with 10 or more units.
Where else can I take a TV?
A retail or nonprofit e-waste drop-off, a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off site, a SAFE Disposal or Community E-Waste event, or a manufacturer take-back program.

Sources

Last checked Oct 29, 2026. We read each page below on that date.

Related guides

Other items: Couch disposal, Mattress disposal, Refrigerator disposal.

Local hauler, dumpster or cleanout business? Put your banner on New York City pages from $100/month. See ad rates.