Where to take your monitor for recycling

Your monitor contains glass, plastic, and metals that can be recovered, but it also holds mercury and lead in the backlight and solder. Most places will not accept it in curbside recycling. Instead, you need a facility that handles electronic waste specifically.

Start by searching "e-waste recycling near me" or visiting Earth911.com, where you enter your zip code and monitor type to find certified drop-off locations. Many accept monitors free of charge. If you have a Best Buy nearby, their recycling program takes monitors for a small fee (usually $10 to $25) regardless of where you bought it. Some manufacturers like Dell, HP, and Lenovo run mail-back programs where you can ship the monitor to them directly, sometimes free if the device is still under warranty or if you are buying a replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not put your monitor in curbside recycling—it contains hazardous materials like mercury and lead that require special handling.
  • Search Earth911.com or your city's waste management website to find certified e-waste facilities near you.
  • Best Buy accepts monitors at most locations for a fee, and many local programs accept them free.
  • Manufacturer take-back programs through Dell, HP, and Lenovo may offer free shipping if you are replacing the device.
  • Before dropping off, unplug the monitor and let it sit for 30 minutes to discharge any remaining electrical charge safely.

Preparing your monitor before drop-off

Before you take the monitor anywhere, unplug it from the wall and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This allows the capacitors inside to discharge safely. Even though the monitor is off, electrical charge can remain and pose a shock risk to you or the recycling worker handling it.

Wipe down the screen and exterior with a dry cloth to remove dust. If the screen is cracked or the casing is broken, mention this to the facility when you arrive—they need to know so they can handle it with extra care and prevent glass or chemicals from spilling during transport. Pack it in a box if you are shipping it, or transport it carefully in your vehicle so the screen does not shift during the drive.

Understanding what happens to your monitor after drop-off

Once your monitor reaches a certified recycling facility, workers separate the components by material. The glass screen is crushed and sold to glass manufacturers or used in road base and aggregate. The plastic housing is shredded and sorted by type—some becomes new plastic products, and some is incinerated for energy recovery.

The metal parts, including copper wiring and aluminum frames, are extracted using magnets and density separation, then sold to metal refineries. The backlight tube, which contains mercury, is handled separately and either recycled or disposed of in a way that prevents the mercury from entering the environment. This is why certified facilities matter: they follow EPA rules and have the equipment to capture hazardous materials safely.

Free and low-cost recycling options in your area

Many cities and counties run free e-waste collection events one or two times per year. Check your local solid waste management website or call your city's public works department to find out when the next event is scheduled. These events typically accept monitors, keyboards, cables, and other computer parts with no fee.

Nonprofit organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army accept working monitors for resale, though they may not take broken ones. If your monitor still works, donating it is often faster than recycling it and extends its useful life. Schools, libraries, and community centers sometimes accept used monitors for their own use or for refurbishment programs. Call ahead to ask whether they need them before you make the trip.

Manufacturer take-back programs

Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS, and other major manufacturers operate recycling programs. Visit the manufacturer's website and search for "recycling" or "take-back program." Most will send you a prepaid shipping label if you register the device or provide proof of purchase. Some charge a flat fee ($15 to $30) for monitors out of warranty; others waive the fee if you are buying a new device from them.

This route works well if you are replacing your monitor and want the old one handled by the original maker. The process usually takes one to two weeks from the time you print the label to the time the monitor is picked up. Keep the tracking number in case you need to follow up, and do not include any personal data on the monitor itself—wipe the screen and remove any stickers with identifying information.

What to do if your monitor is broken or has a cracked screen

A broken monitor is still recyclable and should not go in the trash. Cracked screens are actually easier to handle at a facility because the glass is already separated. Wrap the monitor in a blanket or bubble wrap to prevent further breakage and to protect yourself and the recycling worker from sharp edges during transport.

Call the facility before you arrive to let them know the screen is damaged. Some facilities have specific procedures for broken electronics and may ask you to bring it during certain hours or to a specific entrance. Do not attempt to repair or disassemble the monitor yourself—the backlight tube contains mercury vapor, and opening the casing can release it into your home.

Recycling monitors with your business or office

If you are recycling multiple monitors from a workplace, contact a commercial e-waste recycler rather than a consumer facility. Companies like find Data Destruction, Geek Squad's commercial services, and local industrial recyclers handle bulk electronics and often pick up from your location. They may charge per unit or by weight, but they handle logistics and documentation for you.

Ask whether the recycler is certified by R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards, which are the main standards for responsible electronics recycling. These certifications mean the facility follows strict rules about worker safety, data security, and environmental protection. Get a certificate of recycling when the job is done—many companies need this for compliance records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my monitor in the regular trash?

No. Monitors contain mercury, lead, and other hazardous materials that can leach into soil and groundwater if sent to a landfill. In most states, throwing an electronic device in the trash is illegal. Use a certified e-waste facility or manufacturer program instead.

Will I get paid for recycling my monitor?

Rarely. Most facilities charge a small fee or accept monitors free. If your monitor is very new and still works, you might sell it on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay instead of recycling it. Older or broken monitors have no resale value.

How long does it take to recycle a monitor?

Drop-off at a local facility is when ready—you leave it there and you are done. If you use a mail-back program, the entire process from shipping to recycling takes one to three weeks. The actual recycling process at the facility takes a few days to a few weeks depending on their volume.

What if I do not know the manufacturer of my monitor?

Check the back or bottom of the monitor for a label with the brand name. If you cannot find it, use Earth911.com or call your local waste management office—they can direct you to a facility that accepts any brand without needing to know the manufacturer.

Is it safe to ship a monitor through the mail?

Yes, if you pack it correctly. Use a sturdy box at least two inches larger than the monitor on all sides. Fill the empty space with packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or crumpled paper. Tape the box securely and label it "Fragile" on multiple sides. Most manufacturer mail-back programs provide instructions and sometimes prepaid labels that cover shipping.