If you have an old television sitting unused at home, you may be wondering, does Goodwill take TVs and whether donating it is a good option. Goodwill is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the United States, accepting millions of donated household items every year to support job training, employment programs, and community services.
The answer is that Goodwill does accept many types of TVs, but there are specific rules you need to follow. Most Goodwill locations accept modern flat-screen televisions, including LED, LCD, and plasma TVs, as long as they are clean, working properly, and include necessary accessories. However, older tube-style televisions, damaged screens, and non-working units are usually not accepted.
Because Goodwill organizations operate independently in different regions, donation policies can vary by location. Before loading your television into your vehicle, it is always best to confirm your local Goodwill’s electronics donation guidelines.
This guide explains what types of TVs Goodwill accepts, what conditions apply, what items are rejected, and what alternatives you have if your television cannot be donated.
Does Goodwill Take TVs for Donation?
Yes, Goodwill generally accepts flat-screen TVs that are in good working condition. Most locations accept newer television models because they can be inspected, resold in Goodwill stores, and used to generate funding for community programs.
Accepted televisions usually include:
- LED TVs
- LCD TVs
- Plasma TVs
- Smart TVs
- Flat-screen televisions with working features
Your TV should be:
- Fully functional
- Free from cracks or major damage
- Clean and presentable
- Complete with necessary accessories
Before donating, Goodwill employees may test the television to make sure it works properly. Items that cannot be resold are often difficult for donation centers to process, so checking the condition beforehand can save you time.
What Types of TVs Does Goodwill Accept?
Goodwill donation rules depend on the local chapter, but most locations follow similar guidelines when accepting televisions.
Flat-Screen TVs
Modern flat-screen televisions are the most commonly accepted type of TV donation. These models are easier to transport, test, and resell compared with older television designs.
Goodwill may accept:
LED Televisions
LED TVs are lightweight, energy-efficient, and commonly donated. If the screen works correctly and the television includes the required cables, many Goodwill stores will accept them.
LCD Televisions
LCD TVs are also commonly accepted when they are in working condition. Make sure the display, speakers, buttons, and input ports function properly before donating.
Plasma TVs
Some Goodwill locations accept plasma televisions if they are operational. However, because plasma TVs are heavier and less popular than newer models, acceptance may depend on local demand.
Smart TVs
Smart TVs with streaming features are often good donation candidates because they still have resale value. Resetting the television to remove personal information before donation is recommended.
Does Goodwill Accept Old Tube TVs?
No, most Goodwill locations do not accept old CRT or tube televisions.
Older tube TVs are the large, heavy box-style televisions that were commonly used before flat-screen technology became popular. These televisions are usually rejected because:
- They are difficult and expensive to transport
- They have limited resale value
- They contain materials that require special recycling methods
- Many recycling facilities charge fees for disposal
CRT televisions may contain lead and other components that require responsible handling. For this reason, many donation centers avoid accepting them.
If you have an old tube TV, an electronics recycling program may be a better option than donating it to Goodwill.
Goodwill TV Donation Requirements
Before donating your television, make sure it meets basic acceptance requirements. Following these steps increases the chance that your donation will be approved.
The TV Must Be in Working Condition
Goodwill generally prefers items that can be resold immediately. Test your television before donating by checking:
- Does it turn on?
- Does the screen display properly?
- Do the speakers work?
- Do HDMI and other ports function?
- Does the remote operate correctly?
A television with major technical problems may not qualify for donation.
Include Important Accessories
When donating a TV, include the accessories that make it usable.
Helpful items include:
- Power cable
- Remote control
- Stand or base
- Original manuals (if available)
- HDMI cables (optional)
A television without essential parts may be harder for Goodwill to resell.
Keep the Television Clean
A quick cleaning can improve the condition of your donation. Remove:
- Dust from the screen
- Fingerprints
- Stickers or unnecessary labels
- Dirt around ports and buttons
A clean television gives donation staff a better impression and makes resale easier.
What TVs Does Goodwill Not Accept?
Although Goodwill accepts many electronics, some televisions are usually refused because they cannot be safely or economically resold.
Commonly rejected TVs include:
Broken TVs
Goodwill usually does not accept televisions with:
- Cracked screens
- Missing display
- Power issues
- Severe physical damage
- Internal problems
A broken television has little resale value and may create additional disposal costs.
CRT or Box-Style TVs
Large tube televisions are generally not accepted due to recycling challenges and environmental concerns.
TVs Without Essential Parts
A television missing important components, such as the power cord or remote, may be rejected depending on the location.
Extremely Old Models
Very outdated televisions may not have enough demand to justify processing and storage.
Can You Donate a TV to Goodwill Without a Remote?
Whether Goodwill accepts a television without a remote depends on the specific location. Some stores may accept working TVs without remotes, while others may require complete accessories.
A remote control increases the chance that the television can be tested and sold quickly. If you still have the original remote, it is best to include it with your donation.
Does Every Goodwill Location Accept TVs?
No, not every Goodwill location follows identical donation policies.
Goodwill is made up of independent regional organizations, meaning each local chapter creates its own guidelines based on:
- Available storage space
- Local customer demand
- Recycling partnerships
- Store capacity
- Community regulations
One Goodwill store may accept a certain type of television, while another nearby location may decline it.
Before donating, contact your local Goodwill store or donation center to confirm:
- Whether they accept TVs
- Which models they allow
- Whether they require accessories
- Their current electronics donation rules
How to Prepare Your TV Before Donating to Goodwill
Preparing your television properly can make the donation process easier.
Reset Smart TVs
If your TV connects to online services, remove your personal information before donation.
Steps may include:
- Sign out of streaming accounts
- Remove saved passwords
- Perform a factory reset
- Delete personal settings
This protects your privacy and prepares the TV for the next owner.
Pack Accessories Together
Place the remote, cables, and accessories together so they do not get separated.
Check Transportation Safety
Large flat-screen TVs can be fragile. Transport your television carefully by:
- Keeping it upright
- Avoiding pressure on the screen
- Using protective blankets if needed
What Happens to Donated TVs at Goodwill?
When you donate a working television to Goodwill, the organization typically evaluates the item before placing it for sale.
The process usually includes:
- Receiving the donation
- Inspecting the television condition
- Testing basic functions
- Preparing it for resale
- Displaying it in a Goodwill store if approved
Money generated from donated items helps support Goodwill programs, including employment training, career assistance, and community services.
By donating a usable television, you help reduce waste while supporting nonprofit programs.
Alternatives If Goodwill Does Not Accept Your TV
If your television does not meet Goodwill’s requirements, there are still responsible disposal options.
Electronics Recycling Centers
Many communities offer electronics recycling programs that safely handle unwanted televisions.
Manufacturer Recycling Programs
Some electronics brands provide recycling services for old devices.
Local Donation Organizations
Other charities, schools, community centers, or nonprofit groups may accept working televisions depending on their needs.
Selling or Giving Away a Working TV
If your television works but Goodwill cannot accept it, consider:
- Selling it online
- Giving it to someone who needs it
- Listing it through local community groups
Frequently Asked Questions About Donating TVs to Goodwill
Does Goodwill take flat-screen TVs?
Yes, many Goodwill locations accept working flat-screen TVs, including LED, LCD, and plasma models. Acceptance depends on the local store’s policy.
Does Goodwill take broken TVs?
Most Goodwill stores do not accept broken televisions because they cannot easily resell them.
Does Goodwill accept smart TVs?
Yes, many locations accept smart TVs if they are working properly and in good condition.
Can I donate a TV without a remote?
Some Goodwill stores may accept TVs without remotes, but including the remote improves the chances of acceptance.
Where can I donate an old TV if Goodwill does not accept it?
You can explore electronics recycling centers, manufacturer recycling programs, or other local organizations that accept televisions.
Final Thoughts: Should You Donate Your TV to Goodwill?
So, does Goodwill take TVs? In most cases, yes—but only certain types. Working flat-screen televisions such as LED, LCD, plasma, and smart TVs are commonly accepted, while broken TVs and old CRT models are usually refused.
Before donating, check that your television works properly, include important accessories, remove personal information, and confirm your local Goodwill’s specific rules.
Donating a usable TV is a simple way to reduce electronic waste while helping support programs that provide valuable services to communities. If your television cannot be donated, responsible recycling is the next best option.