How to Get Rid of an Old TV in Philadelphia, PA

✓ Last verified October 29, 2026 against official Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and retailer sources. See sources.

Quick answer

Don't put a TV out with the trash. Philadelphia doesn't collect electronics curbside, and Pennsylvania law bans TVs from municipal waste.
Drop it off free at any of the city's six Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Bring proof that you live in Philadelphia.
No car? Flat-screen TVs are on the list for the city's appointment-only Bulk Collection program (up to four items per appointment). Book at bulkcollection.phila.gov or call 311.

Illustration of an old television on a stand next to a trash bin

Your options in Philadelphia

Sanitation Convenience Center drop-off Free

All six centers accept electronic waste, including televisions, computers and monitors. You need to show proof that you live in Philadelphia. Personal or commercial vehicles are allowed if the total vehicle weight is under 6,000 pounds, but commercial contractors and vehicles carrying commercial loads can't use the centers. The city says the centers are closed on City holidays.

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed City holidays)
Locations: Southwest: 3033 S. 63rd St., near Passyunk Ave. (215-685-4290) · Northwest: 300 block Domino Ln., near Umbria St. (215-685-2502) · West: 5100 Grays Ave. (215-685-2600) · Port Richmond: 3901 Delaware Ave. (215-685-1358) · Strawberry Mansion: 2601 Glenwood Ave. (215-685-4293) · Northeast: State Rd. & Ashburner St. (215-685-8072)
Bring: Proof of Philadelphia residency

Sources: City of Philadelphia – Find a sanitation convenience center; City of Philadelphia – Sanitation Recycling & Holiday Guide 2025 (PDF; center addresses and phone numbers)

Free Bulk Collection pickup (flat-screen TVs) Free

The Department of Sanitation picks up flat-screen TVs, appliances, furniture and other bulky items by appointment. It's open to single-family homes and buildings with up to six units that get City trash collection. Larger apartment buildings, condos and businesses must use a private hauler. You can book up to four items per appointment, and appointments are limited and first-come, first-served. After you book, you'll get an email with a 4-letter pickup code. Mark the TV with the code and put it at your normal collection spot the evening before and by 7 a.m. on pickup day. City materials give different earliest set-out times, so follow the instructions in your confirmation. The city calls the service free.

Book: bulkcollection.phila.gov or call 311
Limit: Up to 4 bulk items per appointment

Sources: City of Philadelphia – Schedule trash collection for bulky household items; City of Philadelphia – Bulk Collection Program flyer (PDF); City of Philadelphia – Residential Bulk Collection Program announcement (Sept. 2024)

Manufacturer and retailer take-back Varies

Pennsylvania's Covered Device Recycling Act requires TV and computer makers that sell in the state to offer recycling programs to consumers. Pennsylvania DEP lists electronics collection programs and says to call ahead, because some sites don't take TVs, have residency rules, or charge a fee. Retailers such as Best Buy also run recycling programs; check the store's terms before you go.

Sources: Pennsylvania DEP – Covered Device Recycling Act FAQs (PDF); Pennsylvania DEP – Electronics Collection Programs; Best Buy – Electronics and Appliances Recycling

Pile of old electronics: a tube TV, flat-screen monitor, computer tower, printer, laptop and cables — TVs, computers & electronics: check the Philadelphia rules above before you set anything out or drive it to a drop-off.

Don't do this

Don't set a TV out on trash day. The city doesn't collect electronics curbside, and the state disposal ban covers TVs.
Don't bring a TV in a vehicle over 6,000 pounds or a commercial load. The centers won't accept it.
Don't take a TV to a household hazardous waste event. The city says electronics go to a convenience center instead.

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 Philadelphia's rules, especially for electronics and paint. Another option is to hire moving helpers by the hour: they do the lifting, and with a truck they can drive it to a drop-off site. They move it where you tell them, so pick a legal destination from this guide.

Rather not haul it? See prices for pickup help in the Philadelphia area

Someone else does the lifting for your TV. You choose the day and where it goes.

Helper loading an old TV and mattress into a pickup truck at the curb

Hourly helpers + truck

Hourly movers/helpers with a truck, you direct the job: they carry it out and drive it where you say. Not a junk-removal company.
See prices & book helpers
HireAHelper lists independent moving helpers paid by the hour. It is not a junk-removal company: they move it where you tell them, so pick a legal drop-off from this guide. Prices depend on your job, and any drop-off fee is separate.

Sponsored link: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I drop off a TV in Philadelphia for free?

At any of the six Sanitation Convenience Centers, Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m., with proof of Philadelphia residency. They're in Southwest, Northwest, West, Port Richmond, Strawberry Mansion and Northeast Philadelphia.

Will Philadelphia pick up an old TV?

Yes, if it's a flat-screen TV and you live in a home or a building with up to six units. Book a Bulk Collection appointment at bulkcollection.phila.gov or by calling 311. TVs can't go out with regular trash.

Can I throw a TV in the trash in Pennsylvania?

No. Pennsylvania's Covered Device Recycling Act bans TVs, computers, monitors and peripherals from municipal waste.

Sources

All checked on October 29, 2026. Rules, hours and fees change, so confirm with the source before you go.