How to Get Rid of an Old TV in New York City, NY

✓ Last verified October 21, 2026 against official New York City, New York and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

  • Don't put a TV on the curb. In NYC, putting electronics out for DSNY collection carries a $100 civil penalty. New York State has banned TVs from the trash since 2015.
  • You can drop TVs off free at a DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off site. There's one in each borough, open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
  • If your building has 10 or more units, ask your super about ecycleNYC, a free in-building pickup.
  • TV manufacturers must take back their products free, and NYSDEC lists their programs.

Your options in New York City

DSNY Special Waste Drop-Off sites Free

DSNY's drop-off sites accept e-waste, including cords and cables, from NYC residents. They're do-it-yourself, with staff available to help. DSNY may ask for proof of NYC residency, such as a NYS driver license or a utility bill. Businesses and commercial vehicles aren't allowed. The sites are closed on legal holidays and in severe weather.

Hours
Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bronx
Hunts Point – Farragut St. and the East River, next to the Fulton Fish Market (enter on Farragut St., off Food Center Dr.)
Brooklyn
Greenpoint – 459 North Henry St. (entrance off Kingsland Ave., north of Greenpoint Ave.)
Manhattan
74 Pike Slip, between Cherry St. and South St., under the Manhattan Bridge
Queens
College Point – 30th Ave. between 120th and 122nd Sts. (NW corner of DSNY Queens District 7 garage)
Staten Island
Fresh Kills – off the Muldoon Ave. exit of the southbound West Shore Expressway, past the DSNY security booth

Sources: DSNY – Special Waste Drop-Off; Rules of the City of New York, 16 RCNY § 1-04.2 – Disposal of Electronic Waste

ecycleNYC (apartment buildings with 10+ units) Free

NYC311 says buildings with 10 or more units can enroll in ecycleNYC, a free in-building electronics pickup. Buildings with 10 or more units can get room clean-outs, and buildings with 100 or more units can get storage bins. In an enrolled building, a manager or staff member requests pickup, which is guaranteed within 5 business days. Residents, buildings or management companies can apply. NYC311 also notes that landlords aren't responsible for disposing of tenants' electronics.

Source: NYC311 – Electronics Disposal

Manufacturer take-back (free under NY law) Free

New York's Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act requires manufacturers to offer free, convenient recycling to most consumers. That includes individuals, and businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees. Manufacturers can charge for premium services, such as at-home collection other than mail-back. NYSDEC lists registered manufacturers and their programs. Its e-waste team can be reached at 518-402-8706 or ewaste@dec.ny.gov.

Sources: NYSDEC – Recycling Consumer Electronic Waste; NYC311 – Electronics Disposal

Retailers and charities Varies

NYC311 lists Best Buy (888-237-8289), Staples (800-333-3330), Goodwill (718-728-5400) and the Salvation Army (800-728-7825) as other drop-off options. It warns that some sites charge fees or don't accept certain items. Best Buy's recycling page lists its TV rules and fees. NYSDEC says sites not affiliated with a manufacturer program may charge, so call before you go.

Sources: NYC311 – Electronics Disposal; Best Buy – Electronics and Appliances Recycling; NYSDEC – Recycling Consumer Electronic Waste

Don't do this

  • Don't put a TV out with trash or recycling. It's a $100 civil penalty per violation under DSNY rules (16 RCNY § 1-04.2).
  • Don't break the screen. Older CRT TVs contain lead.

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 New York City's rules, especially for electronics and paint.

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Frequently asked questions

Will DSNY pick up a TV at the curb?

No. DSNY rules prohibit putting electronic waste out for collection, with a $100 penalty per violation. Use a Special Waste Drop-Off site, ecycleNYC or a manufacturer program.

Is TV recycling free in NYC?

DSNY drop-off sites and ecycleNYC are free, and manufacturers must offer free recycling to most consumers under NY law. Retail and unaffiliated sites may charge.

My landlord says it's my problem. Is that right?

Yes. NYC311 says tenants must discard their own electronics properly, and landlords don't have to take or mail back items. If your building has 10+ units, ask management to enroll in ecycleNYC.

Sources

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

  1. DSNY – Special Waste Drop-Off
  2. NYC311 – Electronics Disposal
  3. Rules of the City of New York, 16 RCNY § 1-04.2 – Disposal of Electronic Waste
  4. NYSDEC – Recycling Consumer Electronic Waste
  5. Best Buy – Electronics and Appliances Recycling