How to Dispose of Computer Screens

Dispose of your old screen responsibly.

When you upgrade your computer, you have a civic and often legal duty to keep computer monitors or screens out of landfills. Some computer screens contain hazardous cathode ray tubes; all are made from glass, plastic and metal that can be recycled. Failing to recycle the computer monitor can be against the law in some states, as it has been in Massachusetts since 2000, notes PC World. Luckily, consumers have many responsible disposal options when it comes to computer monitors.

Instructions

1. Call your community's Department of Public Works and ask whether they allow computer screens to be dropped off at a landfill or taken via curbside collection. Ask whether they have an electronic waste recycling program or electronics recycling drive planned for the future. Dispose of your computer screen in your community per the recommendation you receive.

2. Check whether the manufacturer or retailer of your computer screen offers a recycling program---most do. As PC World notes, Dell and HP recycle not only their computer parts but those from other companies as well. Most programs require you to pack your computer screen in a box then mail it to the company for disposal along with a small fee to cover the shipping and recycling.

3. Take your computer screen to a computer supply or office supply store that offers an in-store electronics recycling program. Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy and OfficeMax all offer some type of electronic recycling program. Since computer screens contain hazardous waste, they typically assess a small fee for recycling them, though sometimes they offset the fee with a store coupon. Check with local stores, then choose the most convenient or cheapest option for you.

4. Find another recycling program near you using the directory at e-Cycling Central (see Resources). Contact programs near you to find out about their hours, policies and fees, then recycle your old equipment through your most attractive option.

5. Donate your monitor to organizations that provide computers and computer equipment to those in need. Computer Hope suggests donating old computer screens to National Cristina Foundation, a nonprofit that equips schools and special needs programs with computers or to to Recycles.org, a site that matches nonprofits and schools with donated computer equipment (see Resources). Earth911 advises taking the old monitor to your local branch of Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

References

• Earth911: Tips on Recycling Compiuter Monitors
• PC World: Tip Jar - Monitor Disposal
• Earth911: Facts About Computer Monitors
• PC World: Dump That Old Monitor? Not Here

Resources

• eCycling Central
• Computer Hope: Computer Disposal, Donation and Recycle Information