Plasma TVs arrived on the market in the 1990s, replacing bulky CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) TV sets. Plasma technology offered a higher definition and made it possible to enlarge screen sizes and create a thin, mountable TV. They were the most popular TV choice through the early 2000s when LCD technology started to catch up.
Today, plasma TVs are no longer in production but people still commonly use them. However, as time passes more and more people replace their plasma TVs and need to dispose of them. If you are ready to part with your plasma TV, it is important to consider your disposal options. You cannot throw plasma TVs in the trash. Recycling is the best option if you can no longer use your TV. This blog dives into the details of plasma TV recycling.
Why You Should Recycle Electronics
Like laptops, smartphones, and other electronic devices, plasma TVs contain many hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and other heavy metals. If not handled properly, these toxic chemicals leach into the soil and groundwater causing environmental and human health problems. Electronic pollution poses enough risk as it is, so it’s important to do what you can to avoid increasing that risk.
Throwing plasma TVs into the trash contributes to e-waste, the fastest-growing waste stream in the world. Ethical recycling keeps your TV out of landfills, saves natural resources, and uses less energy than manufacturing virgin materials.
How to Recycle a Plasma TV
Generally, residential recycling programs will not accept electronics. Electronics recycling requires specialized equipment and specific safety precautions that many curbside recyclers simply do not have. Luckily, electronics recycling services are not difficult to find. Read on to explore the steps you can take to safely recycle your plasma TV.
Find a Specialized Electronics Recycler
You have a few options when it comes to finding an electronics recycler that accepts plasma TVs. First, search to see if there are any e-waste recycling events near you. Community organizations, local departments of public works, and boards of health sometimes put on these events as fundraisers.
You can also contact the store you intend to buy a new TV from to see if they offer a trade-in program. Trade-in programs usually offer recycling in exchange for a discount on your new TV. ShredTronics can also help you find a reputable electronics recycler in your area and schedule services right away.
Bring Your Plasma TV to Your Chosen Provider
Where you bring your plasma TV depends on what resources are available in your area. You’ll either drop off your plasma TV at the recycling event if there is one, trade it into the store if they accept it, or schedule pickup for your plasma TV. Some providers offer pickup services, but you should confirm availability when contacting them.
Your TV will be taken apart manually to salvage glass and remove hazardous materials. Hazardous materials will be disposed of separately and safely. Other materials are run through a shredder to break down components for separation. Magnets, eddy currents, and water separate glass, metal, and plastic. Raw materials are sent to secondary recyclers or manufacturers to make new products.
Retain Your Certificate of Destruction as Proof
Once your provider has completed the recycling process, you will receive a certificate of destruction. This can be useful for audit and compliance purposes, and it provides peace of mind as well.
TV recycling is a complex process that requires highly skilled professionals and specific equipment. ShredTronics partners with ethical recyclers that use responsible methods and do not export electronics to developing countries.
Plasma TV Recycling With ShredTronics
Secure plasma TV and electronics recycling is simple with a solid partner. ShredTronics helps you access a nationwide network of certified providers. From data center decommissioning and disposal and certified data destruction to IT asset disposition (ITAD), corporate e-waste and IT asset recycling, and IT asset value recovery and remarketing, our providers make secure destruction easy.
Contact us by calling (844) 648-4908 or filling out the form to connect with certified electronics recyclers near you. Whether you’re in Austin or Albany, we will send you free quotes on plasma TV recycling services in just minutes. Your decision to recycle will save resources and promote environmental and human health for future generations.
