How to Get Rid of an Old TV in Houston, TX
✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Houston, Texas and retailer sources. See sources.
Quick answer
- Don't put a TV out with your garbage or heavy trash. The City of Houston says electronics shouldn't go to the curb.
- Houston residents can drop off TVs at city recycling centers and Environmental Service Centers. Bring a Texas ID.
- Texas requires TV manufacturers to offer free recycling. Look up your brand on the TCEQ Texas Recycles TVs list.
- Best Buy takes many TVs 50" and smaller for a $29.99 fee per TV (Insignia/Dynex are free).
Your options in Houston
City recycling centers (Westpark, Clear Lake/Ellington, Kingwood) Free
The city's recycling centers list "Electronics – computers, TVs, household electronics" as accepted. The city's e-waste page says Westpark accepts residential electronics at no additional charge. Residents may use these facilities up to four times per month, and a current Texas-issued ID is enough for recycling-only drop-offs. Note: the city's e-waste page lists "TVs (CRT TV's up to 36\")" as accepted and CRT TVs larger than 36" as not accepted. Call 311 to confirm size limits for large flat screens before you go.
- Westpark Center
- 5900 Westpark, Houston, TX 77057 · Tuesday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Clear Lake/Ellington Airport
- 246 Loop Rd., Houston, TX 77034 · 7 days a week, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Kingwood
- 3210 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Houston, TX 77339 · Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Arrival
- City asks residents to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.
Sources: City of Houston SWMD – Recycling Centers; City of Houston SWMD – Electronics & Recycling
Monthly Saturday e-waste drop-off events Free
The city lists two recurring electronics recycling events, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Check the city's e-waste page for the current flyer before going.
- Kingwood Metro Transit Center
- 1st Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Ellington/Clear Lake Neighborhood Recycling Center
- 2nd Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Environmental Service Centers (ESC) Free
Both ESCs accept household hazardous waste and residential electronic waste, including TVs. The city lists a limit of "a total of 5 large electronic items combined per visit (5 PCs (+) 2 TVs 30\" limit)." Confirm with the city if your TV is larger than 30".
- ESC South
- 11500 S. Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX 77035 · Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- ESC North
- 5614 Neches St., Houston, TX 77026 · Second Thursday of each month, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sources: City of Houston SWMD – Environmental Service Centers; City of Houston SWMD – Electronics & Recycling
Manufacturer take-back (Texas Recycles TVs) Free
Texas requires manufacturers of TVs sold in the state to offer consumers a way to recycle them. The TCEQ keeps a brand-by-brand list (Samsung, LG, TCL, Vizio, Hisense, Sony, Roku, Insignia and others) that links to each manufacturer's recycling instructions. Some brands use mail-back programs. TCEQ itself doesn't collect TVs.
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 when Best Buy delivers a replacement product, or $199.99 for a standalone haul-away of up to two large products. Texas isn't on Best Buy's list of no-fee states. Call your store first.
Don't do this
- Don't set a TV out with curbside garbage or heavy trash. The City of Houston says electronic scrap must not be placed at the curb.
- Don't leave a TV at a drop-off site outside of operating hours.
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 Houston's rules, especially for electronics and paint.
- LoadUp PLACEHOLDER: not a live link
- College HUNKS Hauling Junk PLACEHOLDER: not a live link
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Frequently asked questions
Does Houston heavy trash pick up TVs?
No. The City of Houston says electronics shouldn't be placed at the curb with garbage or heavy trash. Take them to a recycling center or Environmental Service Center instead.
Where can I recycle a TV for free in Houston?
Houston residents can drop off TVs at the Westpark, Clear Lake/Ellington and Kingwood recycling centers, at the two Environmental Service Centers, or at the monthly Saturday e-waste events. Size limits apply, so confirm with 311 if your TV is large. Manufacturer take-back programs listed by the TCEQ are also free.
What do I need to bring?
For recycling-only drop-offs, the city says a current Texas-issued ID is enough. Bulk and tree waste drop-offs need an ID plus a matching City of Houston utility bill or lease.
How much does Best Buy charge to recycle a TV?
Best Buy lists a $29.99 per-item fee for eligible TVs 50" and smaller (Insignia and Dynex brand TVs are free), with a limit of two TVs per household per day. Larger TVs require a paid haul-away.
Sources
All checked on October 21, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.