Recycling Old TVs in Chicago: Your Complete 2024 Guide

How to Recycle Old TVs in Chicago (Without Paying a Fortune)

Got an old TV taking up space in your basement or garage? Whether it is a bulky CRT from the early 2000s or a flat-panel LED that finally gave out, disposing of it properly in Chicago takes a little planning. Illinois law prohibits throwing televisions in the trash, and for good reason: CRT screens alone contain up to four pounds of lead, and flat panels carry mercury, cadmium, and other hazardous materials. Tossing them in the alley is both illegal and genuinely harmful to the environment.

This guide walks you through every legitimate recycling option available to Chicago residents, what it costs (sometimes nothing), and what actually happens to your old TV once it leaves your hands.

Why You Cannot Just Throw Away an Old TV in Illinois

Illinois passed the Illinois E-Waste Recycling Act in 2008, placing the responsibility for TV and computer recycling on manufacturers rather than consumers. Under this law, most residents can recycle televisions for free through manufacturer-funded programs. The catch is that "free" does not always mean "convenient" — you may need to haul the set yourself to a designated drop-off point.

Violating the law by illegal dumping can result in fines, and Chicago has been aggressive about enforcing this in neighborhoods like Pilsen, Bridgeport, and Back of the Yards where alley dumping has historically been a problem. Beyond the legal risk, improperly discarded CRT monitors and televisions leach toxic materials into the soil and groundwater.

Free Drop-Off Sites for TV Recycling in Chicago

The most accessible no-cost option for most Chicagoans is the City of Chicago's Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility, located at 1150 N. Branch Street in the River West neighborhood. This facility accepts televisions year-round, free of charge for Chicago residents.

Key details for the Branch Street facility:

• Open Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Chicago residents only (proof of residency may be required)
• Accepts CRT TVs, flat-panel TVs, and monitors of any size
• No commercial loads; residential quantities only

Beyond the city facility, several retail chains operate manufacturer-funded drop-off programs:

1. Best Buy accepts most TVs up to 50 inches for a $29.99 recycling fee per unit. CRT TVs under 32 inches are accepted free. Locations on North Avenue (Lincoln Park) and in the Loop both participate.
2. Staples accepts TVs through its e-waste program, though fees and size limits vary by location. Call ahead to the Lakeview or River North stores before loading up your car.
3. Goodwill stores in the Chicago metro area accept working flat-panel TVs for resale and will recycle units that do not sell. They generally do not accept CRT televisions.

What About CRT Televisions Specifically?

CRT (cathode ray tube) televisions are the hardest category to recycle because they are expensive to process. The lead glass inside requires specialized smelters, and the recycling market for it has shrunk considerably. As a result, some programs that accept flat panels will turn away a CRT, or charge a separate fee.

If you have a CRT, your best bets in the Chicago area are:

• The Branch Street city facility (free, no size limit)
• Grayslake-based Vintage Tech Recyclers, which runs periodic collection events in the suburbs and accepts CRTs
• Electronic Asset Recovery in Elk Grove Village, which accepts walk-in recycling from individuals

TV Recycling Costs in Chicago: What to Expect

Costs depend on screen type, size, and the program you use. Here is a realistic breakdown:

| TV Type | City Drop-Off (Branch St.) | Best Buy Fee | Curbside Pickup (private) | |---|---|---|---| | CRT under 32" | Free | Free | $20–$40 | | CRT 32" and larger | Free | $29.99 | $40–$75 | | Flat-panel under 50" | Free | $29.99 | $20–$40 | | Flat-panel 50"–65" | Free | $29.99 | $40–$60 | | Projection TV | Free | Not accepted | $75–$150 |

Projection TVs deserve a special mention. These rear-projection sets from the late 1990s and early 2000s are massive, heavy, and contain CRT tubes inside. Almost no retail program will take them. Your most affordable option is usually the Branch Street city facility, though you will need a truck or cargo van to move one safely.

Scheduled Pickup and Bulk Removal Options

If you cannot transport a TV yourself — maybe you live in a high-rise in Streeterville or River North, or the set is simply too heavy — scheduled pickup is worth the cost.

Several private companies serve Chicago:

• 1-800-GOT-JUNK? picks up TVs citywide. Expect to pay $75–$150 depending on set size. They handle the hauling and are supposed to recycle or donate electronics properly, though they are not a certified e-waste recycler.
• LoadUp and Junk King also operate in Chicago and offer online quotes. Compare prices before booking.
• Certified e-waste haulers like Midwest Industrial Supply or E-Cycle Wisconsin (which serves northern Illinois) offer pickup for larger quantities, typically better suited to landlords clearing out multiple units.

For residents of Chicago Housing Authority buildings or large condo associations, check with your property management office. Some buildings negotiate bulk e-waste pickups quarterly, which can make it free or deeply discounted for individual residents.

What Happens to Your TV After Recycling?

Understanding the downstream process helps you choose a reputable recycler. When you drop your old TV at a legitimate facility, here is what typically happens:

1. Sorting and de-manufacturing: Screens are separated from housings. Flat panels are dismantled to recover aluminum frames, copper wiring, and circuit boards.
2. CRT glass processing: Lead glass from CRT screens is sent to specialized smelters (often in the U.S. Southeast or Mexico) where lead is recovered and reused in new batteries or radiation shielding.
3. Hazardous material containment: Backlights from LCD TVs are carefully removed and the mercury inside is recaptured.
4. Material recovery: Plastics, metals, and glass are baled and sold as commodities to manufacturers.

Always verify that your recycler is R2 or e-Stewards certified. These certifications mean the facility meets strict standards for data security, worker safety, and responsible downstream processing. The Branch Street city facility works with certified partners, as does Best Buy's program.

Can You Sell or Donate a Working TV Instead?

If your TV still works, recycling should be your last resort. A functioning 40-inch or larger flat-panel from a recognizable brand (Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL) may have real resale value. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist move working TVs quickly in Chicago, often for $30–$150 depending on size and age.

For donation, organizations like the Salvation Army (multiple Chicago locations), Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Pilsen and North Side), and Chicago Christian Industrial League accept working flat-panel sets. None of them accept CRTs for donation any longer.

If you are deciding between repair and replacement for a TV that still has some life in it, our guide on when to repair vs. replace electronics can help you think through the math.

For readers who recently upgraded and want to offset the cost, check out our overview of how to sell used electronics for cash in Chicago — some of those same principles apply to TVs, gaming consoles, and tablets.

Quick Tips Before You Haul That TV Out

• Measure your screen before driving to a drop-off. Some programs have size cutoffs. A 65-inch set that does not fit in your car is a bad situation on the highway.
• Remove all personal data from smart TVs. Factory reset your set if it is a smart TV with apps, login credentials, or payment methods stored.
• Call ahead during winter months. Chicago winters affect operating hours. The Branch Street facility occasionally closes due to weather. Confirm hours on the city's 311 portal or the official Chicago.gov site.
• Check for community collection events. The Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation runs occasional neighborhood e-waste drives, particularly in the spring and fall. Sign up for 311 notifications or follow the DSS on social media.
• Do not leave TVs in the alley, even with a "FREE" sign. It is technically illegal dumping in Chicago and rarely results in someone taking it. It more often results in a fine.

Recycling an old TV in Chicago is genuinely manageable once you know where to go. The city's Branch Street facility is the most accessible free option for most residents, while Best Buy and private haulers fill the gap for those who need convenience. Whatever route you choose, keeping a television out of a landfill is the right call for the city and for the environment. For more on responsible electronics disposal, see our full electronics recycling resource center.