Your monitor contains materials that need special handling
Computer monitors cannot go in the trash or curbside recycling. They contain lead in the glass tube (if it's an older CRT monitor), mercury in the backlight (if it's an LCD), and other materials that are toxic if they break down in a landfill. Most states legally require monitors to be recycled through an approved program, not discarded as regular waste.
The fastest way to get rid of a monitor is usually through a retailer take-back program, a municipal hazardous waste collection day, or a certified e-waste recycler. Which option works best depends on whether your monitor still works, whether you're buying a replacement, and what programs operate in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Best Buy, Staples, and other electronics retailers accept old monitors for recycling, often at no cost, whether or not you buy a replacement.
- Your city or county hazardous waste facility holds collection days (usually quarterly or twice yearly) where you can drop off monitors for free.
- Certified e-waste recyclers listed on the R2 or e-Stewards registries will take monitors and may support materials are handled safely rather than shipped overseas.
- If your monitor still works, donation to schools, libraries, or nonprofits keeps it in use and avoids recycling altogether.
- Never put a monitor in curbside recycling, and avoid unmarked recyclers or services that charge high fees without explaining what happens to the materials.
Retailer take-back programs (no purchase required)
Best Buy accepts old monitors at any of its stores, with no purchase necessary. You can walk in with a monitor and leave it at the customer service desk. Best Buy does not charge for monitors under 32 inches; larger monitors may have a recycling fee of $25 to $50 depending on size and your location.
Staples, Office Depot, and other office supply chains also run monitor take-back programs. Staples charges a recycling fee for some items but often waives it if you buy a replacement. Call your local store first to confirm they accept monitors and what the current fee is, because policies vary by location.
If you bought the monitor from a manufacturer directly (Dell, HP, Lenovo, ASUS), check their website for a mail-back or trade-in program. Some offer prepaid shipping labels or will credit your account if you send the old monitor back when ordering a new one.
Municipal hazardous waste collection days
Your city or county environmental services department runs collection events where residents can drop off monitors, batteries, paint, and other hazardous materials for free. These are usually held once or twice a year, sometimes quarterly in larger cities. Call your local solid waste authority or search "[your city] hazardous waste collection" to find dates and locations.
Some municipalities also run year-round drop-off centers where you can leave monitors any weekday during business hours. These are often at the public works facility or a dedicated recycling center. Bring your monitor in its original box if you have it, or wrapped securely so it does not break in transit.
The advantage of municipal programs is that they are free and your monitor stays within your region rather than being shipped elsewhere. The disadvantage is that collection days are infrequent, so you may need to store the monitor for weeks or months until the next event.
Certified e-waste recyclers
If you need to dispose of a monitor right away and have no retailer nearby, a certified e-waste recycler can take it when ready. Look for recyclers certified by R2 (Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards, which are third-party standards that verify the company actually recycles materials safely rather than shipping them to developing countries where they are dismantled by hand.
Search "R2 certified e-waste recycler near me" or visit the R2 directory at sustainableelectronics.org. Enter your zip code to find certified facilities in your area. Most charge a fee of $10 to $30 per monitor, though some offer free drop-off if you bring multiple items.
Ask the recycler what happens to your monitor before you hand it over. A legitimate recycler will explain that the glass, plastic, and metals are separated and sold to manufacturers, and that hazardous materials like mercury are safely contained. If they cannot explain the process or seem vague about where materials go, find a different recycler.
Donating a working monitor
If your monitor still powers on and displays an image, donation is often the best choice. Schools, libraries, nonprofits, and community centers frequently need monitors for computer labs or office work. Donating keeps the monitor in use and avoids the environmental cost of recycling.
Contact local schools, public libraries, or nonprofits in your area and ask if they accept monitor donations. Some will pick up if you have multiple items; others ask you to drop off. Goodwill and Salvation Army also accept working monitors at their donation centers, though they may not take broken ones.
If you want to donate online, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor often have people looking for free or cheap monitors. Post a photo, note the brand and size, and let people know whether it works. You avoid the hassle of driving to a recycler, and someone gets a usable monitor.
What to avoid when disposing of monitors
Do not put a monitor in curbside recycling, even if your bin accepts electronics. Curbside programs are not equipped to handle hazardous materials, and monitors often break during collection, releasing mercury or lead into the sorting facility.
Avoid unmarked recyclers or services that advertise "free e-waste pickup" and then charge you a surprise fee at your door. Legitimate recyclers quote a price upfront. Also avoid recyclers that do not have R2 or e-Stewards certification, because they may export your monitor to countries where workers dismantle it without protection.
Do not attempt to disassemble a monitor yourself. The glass tube in older CRT monitors contains a vacuum and can implode if cracked, and LCD backlights contain mercury vapor. Leave disassembly to professionals with proper equipment and ventilation.
Shipping a monitor to a recycler
If no local options are available, some recyclers accept monitors by mail. Pack the monitor in its original box if you still have it, or wrap it in bubble wrap and place it in a sturdy box with at least 2 inches of padding on all sides. Tape the box securely and label it "FRAGILE" on multiple sides.
Use a shipping service that insures the package, such as UPS or FedEx, because monitors are heavy and can be damaged in transit. The recycler will usually provide a shipping label or instructions on where to send it. Expect to pay $30 to $60 for shipping depending on the monitor's weight and distance.
Before shipping, confirm with the recycler that they accept mail-in monitors and what their fee is. Some recyclers charge a processing fee on top of shipping, so get a total quote in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I throw a monitor in the trash?
No. Most states prohibit monitors in landfills because they contain lead and mercury. You will face a fine if caught, and the materials will contaminate groundwater. Use a retailer, municipal program, or certified recycler instead.
How much does it cost to recycle a monitor?
Best Buy charges nothing for monitors under 32 inches. Municipal hazardous waste programs are free. Certified e-waste recyclers typically charge $10 to $30 per monitor. Some retailers waive fees if you buy a replacement at the same time.
What happens to my monitor after I recycle it?
A certified recycler separates the glass, plastic, and metals, which are sold to manufacturers to make new products. Hazardous materials like mercury are safely contained or neutralized. Avoid recyclers that cannot explain this process clearly.
Is it better to donate or recycle a working monitor?
Donation is better if the monitor works well. It keeps the monitor in use and avoids the environmental cost of recycling. Recycle only if no one wants it or if it is broken or too old to be useful.
Do I need to erase data from my monitor before recycling it?
Monitors do not store data, so there is nothing to erase. If you are concerned about privacy, wipe down the screen with a cloth before handing it over. Your computer's hard drive is what holds sensitive information and should be wiped separately.