How to Get Rid of an Old TV in Chicago, IL

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Chicago, Illinois and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • Don't put a TV in your garbage cart. Illinois bans TVs from landfills, and improper disposal can bring fines.
  • Chicago residents can drop TVs off at the city's Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility (HCCRF), 1150 N. North Branch St.
  • The Illinois EPA keeps a statewide list of electronics collection locations.
  • Best Buy takes many TVs 50" and smaller for a $29.99 fee per TV (Insignia/Dynex are free).

Your options in Chicago

City of Chicago HCCRF (electronics drop-off) Free

The city lists TVs among the electronics accepted at the HCCRF. Electronics go to the yellow building, and an attendant checks what you bring. Business or commercial waste isn't accepted, and items must not be left outside during closed hours. The city notes that once the electronics truck is full, no more electronics are accepted that day.

Address
1150 N. North Branch St., Chicago, IL 60642 (two blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway at Division St.)
Hours
Tuesday 7 a.m.–12 p.m. · Thursday 2–7 p.m. · First Saturday of every month 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Sources: City of Chicago – Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility; Chicago Recycles – E-Waste

Other Illinois electronics collection sites Varies

The Illinois EPA publishes a list of electronics recycling collection locations. Under Illinois rules, public program sites and one-day events may charge fees only for TVs and monitors, and private or retail sites may charge at their discretion. The city's HCCRF page also mentions designated neighborhood e-waste drop-off locations scheduled April 1–December 30. We didn't verify that list, so check the HCCRF page for current locations.

Sources: Illinois EPA – Electronics Recycling Collection Locations; Illinois EPA – Electronics Recycling FAQs; City of Chicago – Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility

Best Buy store drop-off or haul-away Fee

Best Buy's recycling page says most stores accept flat-panel TVs 50" and smaller and tube TVs 31" and smaller for a $29.99 fee per item, with a limit of two TVs per household per day. Insignia and Dynex TVs 50" and smaller are free. Bigger TVs need a haul-away: $49.99 with a delivered replacement product, or $199.99 standalone for up to two large products. Illinois isn't on Best Buy's list of no-fee states. Call your store first.

Source: Best Buy – Electronics and Appliances Recycling

Don't do this

  • Don't put a TV in the garbage cart or alley. TVs are covered electronic devices banned from Illinois landfills.
  • Don't leave electronics outside the HCCRF when it's closed.

Or pay someone to haul it

If you can't get it to a drop-off site, or can't wait for city pickup, a junk-removal service can take it from inside your home. Prices depend on the company, your location and the size of the load, so get a quote first. Ask whether they recycle or donate items and whether they follow Chicago's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I throw a TV in the garbage in Chicago?

No. Under the Illinois Consumer Electronics Recycling Act, TVs are banned from landfills, and the Illinois EPA says improper disposal can result in fines and penalties.

Where can I recycle a TV for free in Chicago?

The City of Chicago's Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility at 1150 N. North Branch St. accepts TVs from residents on Tuesdays (7 a.m.–12 p.m.), Thursdays (2–7 p.m.) and the first Saturday of each month (8 a.m.–3 p.m.).

Can recycling sites charge for TVs in Illinois?

Yes, in some cases. The Illinois EPA says public program sites and one-day events may charge fees only for TVs and monitors, while private or retail sites may charge at their discretion.

Does Best Buy take TVs in Illinois?

Best Buy says most stores accept eligible TVs 50" and smaller for $29.99 each (Insignia and Dynex are free), limit two per household per day. Call your store to confirm.

Sources

All checked on October 21, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.

  1. City of Chicago – Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility
  2. Chicago Recycles – E-Waste
  3. Illinois EPA – Electronics Recycling FAQs
  4. Illinois EPA – Electronics Recycling Collection Locations
  5. Best Buy – Electronics and Appliances Recycling