Recycling (Going Green)

[mapper]

When I was searching for recycling/haul away programs to get rid of TV sets, Best Buy came up on the list. Unfortunately, other than stating that it would cost $100 for the removal of up to 2 TVs, there was no phone number associated with this program. I called the local store (273) in Fairfax, VA and they told me that haul away was only available if I had purchased a TV from Best Buy. (I actually did purchase one of the 35" TVs from Best Buy in 1999, probably too long ago though.) Is there a way to get these (a 19" and a 35") hauled away? The 35" TV is too heavy to bring into the store, and it is too big (Best Buy says they only take up to 32"). Additionally, if Best Buy will haul it away, will they take a broken treadmill too? Otherwise, I may just call someone else, which is too bad, because $100 is pretty reasonable.

[Allan-BBY Community Connector]

Hi mapper,

Our Fairfax, VA store is not correct that a customer would have to purchase a TV in order for us to sell them our haul-away service, and in-fact we provide free haul-away service for any customer having a TV delivered to their home.

You are absolutely correct that our standard TV haul-away service is $100, and this service includes the pickup of up to two TVs. To arrange for this service a customer would need to purchase it in one of our stores, and I apologize if your local store was not up to speed on this.

I should point out that our store’s recycling program would accept your 19 inch TV to be recycled, but you are correct that in VA the store’s recycling program will only accept tube TVs with a screen size of 32 inches or smaller. I do have to say that the only two types of items we haul-away are TVs and Appliances.

I would like to make sure this store is aware of this service we provide, and have them contact you to arrange for this to be provided to you. I am sending you a private message to gather some personal information. To check your messages you should log into the forum, and then click on the letter icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page.

Thanks for posting,

[mapper]

Just an update to other people: Allan was able to contact the general manager of the Fairfax, VA, but I haven't heard back from Allan or the manager just yet. I presume the holidays would be the cause of the delay.

[Allan-BBY Community Connector]

Hi mapper,

I did hear back from this store stating they will be contacting you to arrange for this service.

Thanks,

[odoaren]

I  have a 36" Sony Wega and need to get rid of it.   I went to my local Best Buy in Jersey City (125 18th St, Jersey City, NJ 07310), spoke to someone in Customer Service (Taneisha).  She first had no idea about what I was talking about when I mentioned the Haul Away service for  TV > 32".  She called someone else over (Neil), who appeared to be a manager or supervisor.  He told me they didn't have the manpower to offer the haul away service.  He said that I would have to bring it in and they would take it.    Why isn't this process like a bit more clear in terms of determining which locations offer the service and which don't?    The process seems to be a convenience to those that can use it but it seems not to be well implemented.

[Allan-BBY Community Connector]

Hi odoaren,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on this. It sounds like you got inaccurate information from this store as to whether this TV would have to be hauled-away from your home, or if it would instead need to be recycled by bringing it into their store.

A Tube TV larger than 32 inches, or a DLP TV, would not be able to be recycled in one of our stores. To get this taken care of a store would have to set up haul-away service. This service is free-of-charge if you are purchasing a new TV to be delivered to your home, but would cost a minimum of $100 if you aren’t having a new TV delivered.

Did you end up getting this taken care of?

Thanks for posting,