How to Dispose of a Computer Monitor

Most computer monitors contain cathode-ray-tubes which are known to contain at least five toxic materials. The toxins are safely locked in the monitor normally, but when it is crushed or burned these toxins are released damaging the environment. When disposed of properly they can be almost fully recycled and the hazardous material reused or cleanly removed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Disconnect your monitor’s power and signal cables and remove it from your computer.

2. Donate your monitor if it still works to a local organization. Visit the Good Will resource page to find a nearby Good Will store.

3. Contact TheGreenPC.com to recycle your monitor for a fee of $15 plus shipping.

4. Pack your monitor into a box and send it to The Green PC with the project number they give you on the outside of your shipping box.

5. Enclose a personal check for the correct amount inside the box with your monitor.

Tips & Warnings

• Look in the owners manual for your monitor to find the manufacturers recommended disposal process.
• If you are part of a corporation looking to recycle contact Dell. They offer an asset recovery service where they can pick up your computer assets for free. There may be a fee for actual disposal depending on quantities.
• It is not currently illegal to throw away electronics as a consumer but by doing so you will harm the environment.

Resources

• Find your local Good Will store to donate your working computer monitor.
• OSS Spectrum has a list of monitor recycling services.