How to Donate an Old TV

You've taken the plunge on that new flat-screen television or just decided that your old TV isn't cutting it anymore. Donating it is a great way to earn a write-off on your taxes and help out a good cause. Furthermore, many municipalities frown on just throwing an old TV away, because they take up a lot of space in landfills and contain toxic chemicals such as lead. Here's how you can donate an old TV to a worthwhile charity.

Instructions

1. Check your TV to make sure it's in working condition, and be sure to note any lingering problems or issues (such as the need for an antenna or a broken remote). Most charities want the set to be as operational as it can, so if you can make any modest or minor repairs, then do so.

2. Contact a group such as Earth 911 or FreeCycle (see Resources below) and ask them about donation programs for televisions. They offer lists of applicable programs in your area. Many of the names on their lists are recycling programs such as those at major appliance stores, but they also include charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army, local community colleges and homeless shelters that accept old TVs as formal donations.

3. Speak to your local church about donating your TV through them. They can give it to a needy family or a local community service which can use it, and by going through them, your donation qualifies as charitable.

4. Ask your child's public school if they could use an old TV, or contact a local homeless shelter or battered women's shelter. Public funding is often limited for such groups and an extra perk like a working TV helps them save for more pressing supplies.

5. Once you have found a suitable charity, call the charity and arrange for a time and place to pick up the TV. Many charities will send someone out to your house. However, if you have the means, they'd probably appreciate your dropping it off at a prearranged spot.

6. Collect a receipt for the TV, acknowledging that the charity has taken possession of it as a donation. You'll need the receipt if you want to claim the donation on your taxes.

Tips & Warnings

• Not every charitable organization is recognized by the government as such. It's certainly fine to give your old TV to them, and they will likely make good use of it, but if you want to note the donation on your taxes, check with the IRS and ensure that your charity qualifies. (See Resources below.)

Resources

• Earth 911 lists local charities which accept TVs.
• Freecycle provides the names of local charities in your area.
• Publication 78, the IRS's list of charitable organizations.