Jurisdiction: Town of Cary, NC (municipal limits only) Item type: Televisions, monitors, computers, phones, and small electronics Last verified: July 2026 — fees and rules can change. Always confirm with the official source before acting.
Quick Answer — What to Do With Your TV or Electronics in Cary
The Town of Cary offers bulky-waste pickup by appointment at $15 for the first item and $8 for each additional item on the same trip. Here is the critical detail: the Town's main garbage collection page does not specifically list or exclude electronics. It describes bulky items such as furniture and gas grills, but does not confirm whether a television, computer monitor, or other electronic device qualifies for bulky pickup.
You cannot assume your TV is accepted. Call Cary 311 (or use the Town service request portal) and ask: "Does the bulky-waste appointment accept televisions and electronics, or do these items need a different route?"
If Town pickup does not apply — or if you are not eligible — alternatives include Wake County HHW and convenience centers, retailer take-back programs (Best Buy, Staples), manufacturer trade-in and recycling, and private e-waste haulers.
| Your Situation | What's Known | What's Unconfirmed | Your Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family homeowner in Cary | Bulky pickup exists at $15 + $8 per extra item | Whether electronics qualify for bulky pickup | Call 311 and ask before scheduling |
| Renter or apartment dweller | Town pickup serves single-family residential utility accounts only | Whether property manager's hauler accepts electronics | Ask property manager or use retailer/county options |
| Have a flat-screen TV to dispose of | Retailer TV recycling fees and size limits vary | Whether Cary bulky pickup or Wake County accepts flat-screens | Call 311 or your chosen facility |
| Have a CRT (old tube) TV | CRTs contain leaded glass; disposal fees of $20–50 are common elsewhere | CRT acceptance at Cary pickup or Wake County — no official confirmation | Call every potential facility. Do not load a CRT without confirmation. |
| Small electronics (phone, keyboard, cables) | Best Buy and Staples offer free in-store drop-boxes | Whether Cary bulky pickup accepts small electronics | Call 311 or use retail drop-off |
The #1 mistake Cary residents make is assuming Town bulky pickup automatically accepts TVs. The #2 mistake is moving a CRT television without checking disposal fees. Verify before you haul.
Jurisdiction note: This guide covers Cary town limits only. Residents in unincorporated Wake County, Morrisville, Apex, Holly Springs, or other nearby towns should check their own municipal or county rules. HOAs, apartment complexes, and commercial properties have private waste contracts not served by Town bulky pickup.
Quick Facts — Cary Electronics Disposal at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weekly garbage pickup | Yes — curbside, weekly schedule |
| Bulky appointment fee | $15 first item / $8 each additional item on same trip |
| Electronics in bulky pickup? | Not confirmed on the official page — call 311 |
| How to request pickup | Town service portal or call 311 |
| Town pickup eligibility | Single-family residential utility account holders within Cary limits |
| Apartment / business eligibility | Not served by Town bulky pickup |
| CRT TV special fees? | Not confirmed — verify with receiving facility before moving |
| Best Buy TV recycling | $30 fee for TVs over 50"; CRT TVs may be excluded |
| Official source | Town of Cary — Garbage Collection |
Which Disposal Route Should You Use?
| Route | Cost | What It Accepts | Eligibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Town bulky appointment | $15 + $8 each (if electronics accepted) | Unverified for electronics — call 311 first | Cary residential utility customers | Homeowners who can wait and confirm |
| Wake County HHW / convenience center | Varies — often free for residents; CRT fee possible | Electronics vary by site — call ahead | Wake County residency (proof required) | Residents willing to self-drop |
| Retailer take-back (Best Buy, Staples) | Free for small items; TV fee possible (a possible retailer fee depending on size and local policy) | Most electronics; CRT may be excluded; TV size limits apply | No residency check | Fast drop-off for small electronics and flat-screens |
| Manufacturer trade-in | Free with purchase or $0–$30 flat fee | Same-brand devices only | Anyone with the brand's device | Replacing a device and getting credit |
| Private e-waste hauler | $30–$100 depending on item | Any electronics, pickup service | No residency check | Bulk, business, or same-day needs |
Decision Flow
1 — Are you a Cary single-family residential customer? Call 311 and ask if electronics qualify for bulky pickup. If yes, book an appointment. If not, move on.
2 — Do you rent, live in an HOA/condo, or own a business? Town pickup does not apply to you. Use retailer, manufacturer, county, or private hauler options.
3 — Small electronics? Best Buy or Staples drop-box is simplest and often free. No appointment needed.
4 — TV or monitor? Check size and type. Flat-screens under 50" are widely accepted at retailers. CRT TVs likely need special handling. Verify with the route before loading.
5 — Business or bulk electronics? Use a private e-waste hauler with R2 or e-Stewards certification.
TVs & Monitors vs Small Electronics — Fees and Restrictions
Flat-Screen TVs (LED, LCD, OLED, Plasma)
Widely accepted at retailer take-back programs and many county facilities. Retailer TV recycling may involve a fee or size limit; verify with the specific store before loading the TV. Official sources do not confirm flat-screen TV acceptance at Cary bulky pickup or Wake County convenience centers — call ahead.
What to ask: "Does your facility accept flat-screen TVs? Is there a size limit? What is the fee?"
CRT TVs (Old Tube Televisions)
CRTs contain leaded glass and a high-voltage capacitor that can hold a dangerous charge. Many facilities charge a premium for CRT disposal — typically $20–$50 per unit — because the leaded glass requires special handling and downstream processing.
Official sources do not confirm any specific CRT fee for Cary Town pickup or Wake County facilities. CRT TVs are commonly excluded from retailer take-back programs.
CRT warning: Never lay a CRT screen-down — the glass is under vacuum and can implode if the face is stressed. Transport upright and secure. Do not attempt to break, crush, or dismantle a CRT. If you have a CRT, call every potential facility and ask both whether they accept it and what the fee is.
Computer Monitors
Flat-screen LCD/LED monitors are generally accepted at retailers and county facilities, sometimes for a small fee. Older CRT monitors fall under the same leaded-glass restrictions as CRT TVs.
Small Electronics (Phones, Keyboards, Mice, Cables, Printers)
The easiest items to dispose of. Best Buy and Staples offer free in-store drop-boxes for small electronics. Printers may have a small recycling fee (a possible retailer fee). Official sources do not confirm small electronics acceptance via Cary bulky pickup — verify with 311.
Items Needing Special Attention
- Laptops and computers contain lithium batteries that should be removed (ask 311 if required).
- Devices with data storage must be wiped before disposal (see next section).
- TVs with stands or wall mounts — remove detachable hardware before drop-off or pickup.
Data Removal & Battery Prep — Don't Skip This Step
The Town of Cary does not provide data destruction or battery removal. You are responsible for preparing devices before disposal.
How to Wipe Devices
| Device | Steps |
|---|---|
| Smartphone / tablet | Factory reset via Settings. Remove SIM and memory cards. Log out of iCloud, Google, or Samsung accounts first. |
| Computer / laptop | Back up files. Factory-reset or use a secure erase tool. For maximum security, remove and physically destroy the hard drive. |
| External drives | Format the drive. Use a secure erase utility for sensitive data. |
| Smart home devices | Factory reset and remove personal accounts. |
Battery Removal — Critical
Lithium batteries (laptops, phones, tablets, cordless tools) are fire hazards in disposal streams. They can short-circuit during transport or at recycling facilities, causing fires in trucks and processing equipment.
- Official sources do not confirm whether Cary's pickup or Wake County facilities require battery removal — call and ask.
- Loose rechargeable batteries can be dropped off at Best Buy or Staples battery recycling stations.
- Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, etc.) are generally safe for regular trash in NC — confirm with your local waste office.
Before disposal: Remove SIM cards, memory cards, and external storage from phones, tablets, and cameras.
Apartment, Rental & Business Disposal Rules
Cary bulky-waste pickup serves single-family residential utility accounts only.
Renter in a Multi-Unit Complex
Your complex has a private waste contract. Ask the property manager: "Does our hauler accept electronics? Is there a designated e-waste drop-off?" Do not leave electronics near dumpsters without authorization — fines can apply.
Renter in a Single-Family Home
The bulky-pickup benefit belongs to the account holder (the landlord). You may need the landlord to schedule the appointment. If they are unresponsive, use retailer or county options.
HOA or Condo Community
Many HOAs have exclusive waste contracts. Check with the HOA board or management company before assuming Town pickup is available at your address.
Business or Small Office
Town pickup is residential-only. Contract with a commercial e-waste hauler, preferably one with R2 or e-Stewards certification for proper data handling.
Moving Out and Need Fast Disposal
Retailer drop-off (Best Buy, Staples) is the fastest walk-in option. Private haulers can often do same-day service for a fee.
How to Prepare Your TV or Electronics for Pickup or Drop-Off
If Using Town Bulky Pickup (assuming electronics are accepted)
- Place at curb by 7 a.m. on appointment day.
- Do not block sidewalks, drains, or fire hydrants.
- Secure loose cables with tape or zip ties.
Transporting a CRT TV
- Never lay it screen-down — the glass can implode.
- Transport upright and strapped in place.
- CRTs are very heavy (a 27" model can weigh 60–80 lb).
- Use a dolly or get help.
- Do not attempt to break, crush, or dismantle a CRT — it contains leaded glass and a charged capacitor.
Transporting a Flat-Screen TV
- Use original packaging or padded blankets.
- Transport upright or slightly reclined — never flat on the screen.
- Remove stands or wall brackets if possible.
Retailer Drop-Off
- Check size limits before going — retailer size limits vary by store and should be checked before driving.
- Remove all data and batteries.
- Some printers and monitors carry small fees ($5–$10).
General Safety Rules
- Do not leave electronics on the curb without a confirmed appointment — you risk illegal dumping violations.
- Do not place electronics in apartment dumpsters without property manager approval.
- Heavy items need two people or a dolly.
- Lithium batteries removed from devices must not go in regular trash — recycle separately at a retailer drop-off.
Other Ways to Dispose of Electronics in Cary
Best Buy Electronics Recycling
Free for small items. TV fee of $30 for units over 50". CRT TVs may be excluded. Verify current policies with the Cary store before going.
Staples Tech Recycling
Accepts computers, monitors, printers, phones. Small items often free; monitors and printers may have a $5–$10 fee. Free drop-box for small electronics. Confirm with your local store.
Manufacturer Trade-In Programs
Apple, Samsung, Dell, and others offer free recycling of their own brands — often with prepaid shipping labels or in-store drop-off. Trade-in credit available for devices with value.
Donation
Goodwill and Salvation Army accept working electronics in saleable condition. CRT TVs are commonly refused. Flat-screens under 10 years old are more likely accepted. Call ahead — acceptance policies change frequently.
Wake County HHW / Convenience Centers
Accept some electronics — specific items and CRT fees are not confirmed in official sources. Call Wake County Solid Waste before driving. Proof of Wake County residency required.
Private E-Waste Haulers
For bulk or business disposal. Look for R2 or e-Stewards certification. Get a written quote before scheduling.
Mistakes to Avoid When Disposing of TVs and Electronics in Cary
- Assuming bulky pickup accepts electronics — call 311 first.
- Leaving items at the curb without an appointment — may result in code enforcement action.
- Moving a CRT without checking disposal fees — CRT costs can be significantly higher than flat-screen disposal.
- Skipping data wipe — factory reset is not optional for data security.
- Putting lithium batteries in the trash — they are a fire hazard in trucks and facilities.
- Breaking or dismantling a CRT — risk of toxic lead dust release and electric shock from the capacitor.
- Using apartment dumpsters for electronics — risk of fines and lease violations.
- Ignoring size limits at retailers — Retailers may refuse TVs over their local size limit. Check before you go.
FAQ — Cary TV & Electronics Disposal
Q: Does Cary offer free TV recycling? A: Not confirmed. Town bulky pickup (if electronics qualify) costs $15 for the first item. Retailers may charge for TVs. Confirm your specific route's fee before moving anything.
Q: Can I put a TV in my regular trash cart? A: No. Televisions are not standard household waste and must not go in weekly garbage. Electronics contain materials that require special handling.
Q: Does Best Buy in Cary recycle TVs? A: Yes, with a $30 fee for items over 50". CRT TVs may be excluded. Call the Cary store before bringing one to confirm current policies.
Q: Do I need to remove batteries before dropping off electronics? A: Official sources do not confirm Cary-specific requirements. Call your receiving facility and ask. Removing lithium batteries is safer and widely recommended regardless of requirements.
Q: What if 311 is not working? A: Call Cary 311 (Cary Town Hall main line) and ask for sanitation. For Wake County HHW, call Wake County Solid Waste.
Q: Can the Town pick up electronics from my apartment? A: No. Apartments, condos, and HOAs have private waste contracts — Town bulky pickup serves single-family homes only.
Q: How much does CRT TV disposal typically cost in Cary? A: The specific CRT fee is not confirmed for any Cary or Wake County facility. Nationwide, CRTs typically carry a $20–$50 recycling fee due to leaded glass processing costs. Call every facility before transporting a CRT.
Q: Can I donate my old TV in Cary? A: Possibly, if it is working and in saleable condition. Goodwill and Salvation Army accept some electronics. CRT TVs are commonly refused. Call ahead — acceptance policies change.
Q: What should I do with a computer hard drive that has sensitive data? A: Remove the drive and physically destroy it (drill through the platters or use a drive shredder). For most personal data, factory reset plus encryption is sufficient. Ask your recycler if they offer on-site shredding.
Official Verification Checklist — Before You Move Anything
| # | Question | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Does Cary bulky pickup accept my specific item? | Call 311 and ask about your item type |
| 2 | Am I eligible for Town pickup? | Check your utility bill — single-family residential only |
| 3 | What is the current fee? | Visit the Town garbage page |
| 4 | Have I removed data and batteries? | Factory-reset, remove SIM/memory cards, remove batteries |
| 5 | Does my chosen route accept my item? | Call ahead — ask about size limits, CRT acceptance, and fees |
Sources
- Town of Cary — Garbage Collection — Verified source for weekly garbage, bulky pickup by appointment, $15/$8 fee structure, and 311 contact. Does not explicitly confirm electronics acceptance.
- Wake County Solid Waste Division — Wake County Solid Waste. Contact for HHW and convenience center acceptance rules.
- Best Buy Electronics Recycling — Program details current at publication; verify with the Cary store.
- Staples Tech Recycling — Confirm acceptance and fees with local store.
- Apple, Samsung, Dell trade-in programs — Check each manufacturer's website for current terms.
Disposal Manual — Cary, NC. This guide is a reader resource, not an official Town of Cary publication. Fees, policies, and acceptance rules can change. Always verify with the official sources listed above before proceeding.