How to Get Rid of an Old TV in Los Angeles, CA

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official Los Angeles, California and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Don't put a TV in your trash bin. California treats TVs as e-waste (universal waste) and bans households from putting them in the trash.
City of LA residents can schedule free curbside pickup of a TV through MyLA311 or 1-800-773-2489 as part of LASAN's bulky item service.
Or drop it off free at a LASAN S.A.F.E. Center on a weekend.
Best Buy says California stores don't charge drop-off fees for TVs 50" and smaller.

Your options in Los Angeles

LASAN bulky item curbside pickup Free

LASAN's bulky item service lists "electronic waste (TVs, computers, monitors)" among the items it collects. It's an unlimited curbside service at no additional charge for residents LASAN serves. Schedule at least one business day before your regular trash day, and have an itemized list ready. Items are picked up on your regular collection day. LASAN's e-waste flyer also says to call 311 or use the MyLA app for curbside pickup of large and heavy electronics. An older LASAN page, which now redirects, said residents of multi-family buildings with five or more units can schedule pickup by appointment through the Customer Care Center. Confirm that at 1-800-773-2489.

Schedule: MyLA311 app or online Service Request Form · 24-hour Customer Care Center 1-800-773-2489

Sources: LASAN – Schedule a Bulky Item Pickup; LASAN – Bulky Item Collection (older page; now redirects to the current bulky item page); LASAN – Accepted Electronic Waste flyer

S.A.F.E. Centers (e-waste drop-off) Free

LASAN's S.A.F.E. (Solvents, Automotive, Flammables, Electronics) Centers accept e-waste, including TVs, free of charge from City and County of Los Angeles residents. You'll be asked for the address the waste came from, and staff unload your vehicle while you stay inside. LASAN's flyer says e-waste is collected on Saturdays only at UCLA, and that centers close on city holidays and during rainy weather.

Nicole Bernson (Balboa), Northridge: 10241 N. Balboa Blvd., Northridge, CA 91325 · Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Randall Street, Sun Valley: 11025 Randall St., Sun Valley, CA 91352 · Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Gaffey Street, San Pedro: 1400 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731 · Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Hyperion, Playa del Rey: 7660 W. Imperial Hwy., Gate B, Playa del Rey, CA 90293 · Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Washington Blvd., Central/East LA: 2649 E. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90021 · Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Los Angeles-Glendale, Atwater Village: 4600 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90039 · Saturdays, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. (an older LASAN flyer says Saturday & Sunday; check with the city)
UCLA, Westwood: 550 Charles E. Young Dr. West, Los Angeles, CA 90095 · Fridays, Saturdays and the first Sunday of each month, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., per UCLA and LA County (an older LASAN flyer lists different hours; check with the city). Closed Nov. 27 and Dec. 25, 2026–Jan. 3, 2027.

Sources: LASAN – S.A.F.E. Centers (Household Hazardous Waste Disposal); LA County CleanLA – HHW/E-waste Collection Centers; LASAN – Accepted Electronic Waste flyer; UCLA EH&S – S.A.F.E. Collection Center Operations at UCLA

Best Buy store drop-off or haul-away Free

Best Buy's recycling page says most stores accept flat-panel TVs 50" and smaller and tube TVs 31" and smaller, limit two TVs per household per day, and that there are no store drop-off fees in California. Larger TVs need a haul-away: $49.99 when Best Buy delivers a replacement product, or $199.99 for a standalone haul-away. Call your store first.

Source: Best Buy – Electronics and Appliances Recycling

Don't do this

Don't put a TV in your black, blue or green bin. California prohibits putting e-waste in the trash.
Don't bring a TV to LASAN's monthly bulky item drop-off events. Their flyer lists electronic waste and items with electrical plugs as prohibited.
Don't smash or take apart a TV. California's DTSC says smashing e-waste is illegal unless you're an authorized handler.

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 Los Angeles'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

Can I throw a TV in the trash in Los Angeles?

No. California's Department of Toxic Substances Control classifies TVs (CRT, LCD, OLED and plasma) as universal waste, and households can't put universal waste in the trash.

Will LA Sanitation pick up my old TV?

Yes. LASAN's free bulky item pickup lists e-waste such as TVs. Schedule through MyLA311 or 1-800-773-2489 at least one business day before your regular trash day.

Where can I drop off a TV in LA?

At any LASAN S.A.F.E. Center during open hours, most of them Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (e-waste is Saturdays only at UCLA). Check the city's page for current hours.

Does Best Buy charge to recycle a TV in California?

Best Buy says there are no store drop-off fees in California for eligible TVs 50" and smaller, limit two per household per day.

Sources

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