How to Dispose of a Television in Japan
How to Dispose of Television in Japan
Identify your TV type: LCD/LED flatscreen, plasma, or CRT (cathode-ray tube / ブラウン管) — fees differ by type.
Note the screen size (diagonal inches or cm) — fees may also vary by size for CRT TVs.
Contact the original retailer (purchase store has a take-back obligation) OR the manufacturer's recycling hotline.
Pay the recycling fee (家電リサイクル券 / リサイクル料金) — you will receive a receipt/ticket to attach to the TV.
Remove remote controls, HDMI cables, and power cables — these are separate items. Remotes go in non-burnable waste; cables go in non-burnable or as small appliance recycling depending on your ward.
General Rules Across Japan
Televisions (all types: LCD, OLED, plasma, CRT) are covered by Japan's Home Appliance Recycling Law. The law has been in effect since 2001. Leaving a TV on the street or in a regular waste bag is illegal and subject to fines. Manufacturers are required to have recycling systems in place. Remote controls and cables are NOT covered by this law — dispose of them separately.
Tokyo-Specific Notes
In Tokyo, Yodobashi Camera, BIC Camera, LABI and other major retailers all accept television returns for recycling. Self-carry to a 指定引取場所 is also available — most Tokyo wards have at least one collection yard within 5 km.
⚖️ Special Law / Recycling Program
Home Appliance Recycling Law (家電リサイクル法). Recycling fee chart by brand: https://www.aeha.or.jp/kakaku/. Self-carry to 指定引取場所 saves the transport fee.
💴 Fee Information
LCD/plasma: ¥1,320–¥2,970. CRT: ¥1,296–¥3,780 (varies by brand and screen size).
✅ Practical Tips
- CRT (tube) televisions are increasingly rare — some manufacturers have discontinued support. If your CRT brand is no longer operating, contact the Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association (JEMA) for guidance.
- TV recycling fees are paid BEFORE collection, not after — you receive a receipt slip to attach to the set.
🔄 Alternatives to Throwing Away
- Working TVs: Sell on Mercari, Yahoo Auction, or donate to a local NPO or community centre.
- Hard Off and Bookoff Group accept working second-hand TVs — call ahead to check size limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a broken TV out as bulky waste?
No — condition does not matter. Even broken TVs are subject to the Home Appliance Recycling Law and must be recycled through the official system.
What about very old CRT TVs from the 1990s?
CRT TVs manufactured before the Home Appliance Recycling Law (2001) are still covered. If the manufacturer no longer exists, contact JEITA for their group recycling program.