Where to take your old monitor
Computer monitors contain materials that are toxic if they end up in a landfill — lead in the glass, mercury in the backlight, and heavy metals in the circuitry. Most places have rules against throwing them in the trash, and many will fine you if you do. The safest route depends on whether your monitor still works.
If the monitor works, a local computer repair shop, school, or nonprofit may take it for free or even pay you a small amount. Call ahead and describe the model and condition. If it does not work, your options are an electronics recycler, a manufacturer take-back program, or a hazardous waste collection event run by your city or county.
Do not assume a thrift store will take it. Most Goodwill and Salvation Army locations no longer accept monitors because they cannot resell broken ones and do not have recycling infrastructure. Call your local store to ask before you bring one in.
Key Takeaways
- Working monitors can often go to schools, nonprofits, or repair shops for free, and some will pay you for them.
- Broken monitors must go to an electronics recycler, a manufacturer take-back program, or a hazardous waste event — never the regular trash.
- Your city or county waste department can tell you which recyclers are certified and where the next hazardous waste collection day is.
- Some manufacturers like Dell and HP will mail you a prepaid shipping label if you register the monitor on their website.
- Electronics recyclers are required by law to handle monitors safely, but verify the facility is certified before you drop one off.
Manufacturer take-back programs
Many large monitor makers run their own recycling programs. Dell, HP, Lenovo, LG, and ASUS all have online forms where you enter your monitor model and zip code to see what options are available in your area. Some will send you a prepaid shipping label so you can mail the monitor to them at no cost. Others partner with local recyclers and give you a list of drop-off locations.
To use a manufacturer program, you usually need to know the brand and model number. The model number is printed on a sticker on the back or bottom of the monitor. Go to the manufacturer's website, find their recycling or take-back page, and follow the prompts. The process typically takes a few minutes and you will get instructions within a day or two.
If you no longer have the original packaging, most manufacturers will still accept the monitor. Some charge a small fee if you choose mail-in shipping, but many waive it if you drop it off at a partner location instead.
Electronics recyclers in your area
An electronics recycler is a business licensed to dismantle old computers, monitors, and other devices and separate the materials safely. They extract the copper, aluminum, and precious metals, and dispose of the toxic materials according to environmental law. To find one near you, search "electronics recycler near me" or "e-waste recycling" plus your city name.
Before you go, call and ask if they accept monitors, whether there is a drop-off fee, and what hours they are open. Some recyclers charge $5 to $15 per monitor, while others take them free if you bring in a certain amount of other electronics. A few will pick up from your home for a fee if the monitor is large or you have many items.
When you arrive, bring your monitor and ask for a receipt. A reputable recycler will give you documentation showing that your device was received and will be processed responsibly. This matters if you ever need proof that you disposed of it legally.
City and county hazardous waste collection events
Most cities and counties hold hazardous waste collection days once or twice a year where residents can drop off electronics, batteries, paint, and other materials for free. Monitors are almost always accepted. These events are run by your local waste management department or environmental agency.
To find the next event, call your city or county waste department or visit their website and search for "hazardous waste collection" or "e-waste day." You will see the date, time, and location. Most events are held on a Saturday morning and last a few hours. Bring your monitor in your car, and staff will unload it for you.
If you cannot make the scheduled event, ask the waste department if they accept monitors at their main facility year-round. Some do, though you may need to make an appointment or pay a small fee.
Donation options for working monitors
If your monitor works and you want to give it away rather than recycle it, schools, libraries, and nonprofits often need them. Call the computer lab or IT department at a local school and ask if they accept donations. Libraries sometimes take monitors for their public computers. Nonprofits that refurbish computers for low-income families are another option — search "computer donation" plus your city name to find local organizations.
Some computer repair shops will take working monitors off your hands and either resell them or use them for parts. A few will even pay you $10 to $50 depending on the size and condition. Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are also options if you want to sell it yourself, though you will need to handle shipping or arrange local pickup.
Before you donate, test the monitor to make sure it powers on and displays an image. Wipe the screen and casing with a dry cloth. If you have the original power cable and any other accessories, include those too — they make the monitor more useful to the next person.
What not to do
Never put a monitor in the regular trash or curbside recycling bin. Most curbside programs do not accept electronics because the sorting equipment can be damaged by the heavy glass and circuitry. Monitors that end up in landfills leach lead and mercury into the soil and groundwater. In many states, throwing away a monitor is illegal and can result in a fine.
Do not leave a monitor on the curb for bulk trash pickup unless your city specifically says electronics are accepted. Even then, call ahead to confirm. Some cities will pick up monitors but only on certain days or with advance notice.
Avoid unlicensed recyclers or companies that charge very high fees without explaining what they do with the material. A legitimate recycler will tell you how they process monitors and will give you a receipt. If a company seems evasive or asks you to pay cash with no documentation, find another option.
Preparing your monitor for drop-off
Before you take your monitor anywhere, unplug it and let it sit for a few minutes so any residual charge drains. Wrap the screen in a blanket or bubble wrap to prevent cracks during transport. If you have the original box, use that — it provides the best protection.
If the monitor is large or heavy, ask someone to help you load it into your car. find it so it will not slide around while you drive. If you are mailing it through a manufacturer program, follow their packing instructions carefully. They usually ask you to wrap the screen, place the monitor in a box with padding, and tape the box securely.
Keep any documentation you receive — a receipt from a recycler, a confirmation email from a manufacturer, or a photo of the hazardous waste event sign-in sheet. This proves you disposed of the monitor responsibly if anyone ever asks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw a monitor in the trash if it is broken?
No. Broken monitors must go to a recycler, manufacturer program, or hazardous waste event. Throwing one in the trash is illegal in most states and harms the environment. The cost to recycle is usually free or under $15, which is far less than a potential fine.
What if I do not know the brand or model of my monitor?
Look on the back or bottom of the monitor for a sticker with the brand name and model number. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, you can still take it to a local recycler or hazardous waste event — you do not need the model number. If you want to use a manufacturer program, contact the manufacturer's customer service with a photo of the monitor and they can often identify it.
Will a recycler charge me to take a monitor?
It varies. Some recyclers take monitors free, others charge $5 to $15. Manufacturer take-back programs are usually free, and city hazardous waste events are always free. Call ahead to ask about fees before you go, so you are not surprised.
Is it safe to mail a monitor through the postal service?
The U.S. Postal Service does not accept monitors because they are fragile and contain hazardous materials. Use a manufacturer take-back program that provides a prepaid shipping label, or use a private carrier like UPS or FedEx if the manufacturer allows it. Always ask the manufacturer first — they will tell you the safest way to ship.
Can I donate a monitor that has a cracked screen?
Most organizations will not take a monitor with a cracked screen because it is unsafe and unusable. A recycler or hazardous waste event is your best option. If the crack is very small and the monitor still works, you could try calling a repair shop or nonprofit — some may take it anyway — but do not expect them to.