The life cycle of a television is a fascinating process that goes far beyond its use at home. From manufacturing to final recycling, a TV goes through different stages that involve resource consumption, energy use, and waste management. At Erecycling, specialists in the treatment of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and ferrous and non-ferrous waste, we know that proper management of each phase is key to protecting the environment and recovering valuable materials.
1. Manufacturing and Extraction of Raw Materials
A television’s life begins with the extraction of raw materials. Minerals such as copper, aluminum, iron, lead, and rare earths are essential to produce circuit boards, cables, screens, and internal components. This process requires large amounts of energy and, if not done responsibly, can generate major environmental impacts. That’s why recycling the metals we already have is fundamental to reducing the exploitation of new resources.
2. Assembly and Distribution
Once the raw materials are obtained, the TV assembly takes place. In specialized factories, electronic components, plastic or metal casings, and LED, LCD, or OLED screens are put together. Then, the product is packaged and distributed to different markets. During this phase, energy is consumed for transport and packaging, so choosing sustainable suppliers and logistics chains helps reduce the carbon footprint.
3. Use in Homes or Businesses
Daily use is the longest stage of a television’s life cycle. Factors such as electricity consumption, maintenance, and care all play a role. A modern energy-efficient TV can last between 8 and 12 years if used and maintained properly. Turning it off completely when not in use, avoiding standby mode, and adjusting screen brightness are actions that extend its life and reduce electricity bills.
4. Repair and Reuse
When faults appear, televisions can often be repaired, extending their service life. Replacing a damaged part, changing the power supply, or fixing the screen panel are solutions that delay waste generation. At this stage, reuse is also an option: donating a working device or selling it second-hand prevents it from becoming waste prematurely.
5. End of Life and Waste Management
Eventually, every television reaches the end of its useful life. At this point, proper waste management becomes essential. TVs are classified as WEEE, meaning they contain valuable materials but also potentially hazardous components such as lead, mercury, or cadmium. Throwing a TV into regular household waste is a serious mistake that pollutes soil and water.
6. Recycling in Specialized Plants
At Erecycling, our WEEE recycling plant, specialized in ferrous and non-ferrous waste, is prepared to treat televisions safely and efficiently. The process begins with collection and sorting. Then, different materials are separated both manually and mechanically: metals such as iron, copper, or aluminum, plastics, glass, and electronic boards. Hazardous components are handled under strict environmental regulations, while metals and plastics are reintroduced into the production cycle as new raw materials.
7. Environmental and Economic Benefits of TV Recycling
Recycling televisions not only reduces the amount of waste going to landfills, but it also allows the recovery of valuable metals and decreases the need to extract new raw materials. This process saves energy, reduces CO2 emissions, and contributes to the circular economy, where products are designed to be reused and recycled—creating less environmental impact and greater economic value.
8. Consumer Awareness and Responsibility
As consumers, we play a key role in the life cycle of a television. Buying high-quality, energy-efficient devices, maintaining them properly, choosing repair over replacement, and delivering them to authorized collection points at the end of their life are decisions that make a difference. Every TV properly recycled at a facility like Erecycling is a step toward a cleaner, more sustainable planet.
The life cycle of a television spans from raw material extraction to final recycling. Understanding each stage helps us make more responsible decisions, extend the lifespan of devices, and ensure their components are safely reused. At Erecycling, we transform WEEE and ferrous and non-ferrous waste into new opportunities, contributing to a more circular and environmentally respectful production model. Choosing recycling is not only a necessity—it’s a commitment to the future of our planet.