Junk removal Where to recycle a TV in Charleston

Why a TV can't go in the trash

Old TVs, computers, monitors and printers are banned from landfill-bound trash in South Carolina, as Dorchester County points out on its e-waste page. That's why nearly every town in the Charleston area refuses TVs at the curb and sends you to a county drop-off instead.

The good news: all three counties take TVs from their residents at drop-off sites.

Drop it off at your county's site

Which site you use depends on the county you live in, not the town on your mailing address. Each county limits its sites to its own residents.

Charleston County. TVs go in Zone 9 at the staffed convenience centers, along with household computers, monitors and printers. For other electronics, ask the attendant. The county lists no fee or limit, and the centers are free for individual residents. Bring a government photo ID with a Charleston County address. Box trucks, moving vans and double-axle trailers need an appointment at 843-720-7111. See Charleston County centers and hours.

Berkeley County. All 10 convenience centers take computers, monitors, printers and TVs, up to 5 per day. Bring a valid photo ID, like a driver's license, passport or military ID. Each center closes one weekday besides Sunday, either Wednesday or Thursday. See Berkeley County centers and hours.

Dorchester County. E-waste goes to the Hwy 61 (Sprucewood), Oakbrook and St. George sites. They take TVs, computers, printers, phones, stereos, game systems, small appliances, vacuums and similar items, with no limit or fee listed. The St. George site is at 5365 Jim Bilton Blvd. Sites are closed Wednesday and Sunday. See Dorchester County sites.

What each town says about TVs

Only one town in the area picks up TVs at the curb. Everywhere else, the county drop-off is the answer.

A note for North Charleston: an older City page mentions an e-waste dumpster at the Public Works Facility, but that note dates from July 2017 and lists no hours. Don't count on it. Charleston County residents of the city can use Zone 9 at a county center, and the City points its Dorchester County residents to Dorchester's sites.

Pro tip in Hanahan, only computers, monitors, TVs and printers count as Tuesday e-scrap. Other small electronics go in your regular household trash.

Donate a TV that still works

A newer, working TV may be worth donating, but the rules are tight:

• Habitat for Humanity of Berkeley County ReStore in Goose Creek doesn't take TVs or monitors, or computers and printers.
• Dorchester Habitat ReStore in Summerville doesn't take console or large tube TVs. Its page doesn't say whether it takes flat screens, so ask before you bring one.
• Charleston Habitat ReStore takes items in good, sellable condition at 731 Meeting Street and its East Cooper Home Store at 469C Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant. Its pickup page doesn't list rules for TVs, so call 843-579-0777 first.
• The Salvation Army's national pickup service doesn't take large console TVs or TVs older than 5 years, and it says accepted items vary by location. Enter your ZIP code on its site to check that it serves your area.

Batteries and other electronics

If you're clearing out batteries along with your electronics, handle them separately. Berkeley County warns that lithium-ion batteries shouldn't go in household trash because they can start fires at the landfill and the convenience centers. Charleston County takes all batteries in Zone 10 at its staffed centers. Berkeley County's centers list lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries, so ask before you bring lithium-ion ones.

Hire someone to haul it

If the TV is too heavy or awkward to load yourself, or you're clearing several electronics at once, a junk removal crew can take it from where it sits. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving lists electronics among the items it removes in the Charleston area. Prices depend on the size of the load, so see what junk removal costs and get a quote.

For other big items, see old appliance disposal.

Frequently asked questions