Your options
- Retailer take-back: when you buy a new TV, the retailer must take the old one back free in store, like for like, whichever brand it is, with at least 28 days to bring it. Collection from home can cost extra.
- Your council’s recycling centre: TVs go in the electricals area. Many councils also collect large electricals, usually for a fee.
- If it still works: sell it, give it away locally, or offer it to a charity that takes electricals.
Before it goes
- Sign out of every streaming app, and remove the TV from your accounts on the services’ websites.
- Reset it to factory settings, so your Wi-Fi password and accounts go with it.
- Keep the remote, stand and power lead with it.
The aerial or dish too?
If you’ve moved to streaming only, an old aerial or dish can come down, usually for £50 to £120. Aerial and dish removal.
Source: GOV.UK, retailers’ take-back duties.
Questions
- Will the shop take my old TV when it delivers the new one?
- Many do, often for a fee: retailers must take back old electricals free in store, but can charge for the transport if they collect from your home. Ask when you order.
- What should I do before getting rid of a smart TV?
- Sign out of every app (Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube and the rest), then reset the TV to factory settings so your accounts and Wi-Fi details go with it.