can you throw away lcd monitors price
If you’re looking to recycle a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, which have been mostly phased out of the sales market at this point, it contains four to eight pounds of lead. If you have a liquid-crystal display (LCD) screen, it’s likely being backlit by small fluorescent bulbs containing mercury. Both are toxic metals that you want to keep inside the monitor.
This means it’s extra important to keep these monitors out of landfills but also treat them with care when recycling. Here are a few steps to take when preparing your monitor for recycling:
Unplug the DVI, HDMI or VGA cable from your monitor (as well as the CPU) to lighten the load and prevent tripping (for VGA, you’ll need to unscrew the ends). If the power cord can be removed, unplug that as well.
Place a towel or blanket down in the car and put the monitor face down on top. This will ensure that nothing breaks if you hit any potholes on the drive.
It’s highly unlikely that your curbside recycling program accepts computer monitors, even if it collects “scrap metal.” These screens are bulky and made up of multiple materials, so you’ll definitely want to check before putting them in the recycling bin. If your area offers bulky waste recycling, computer monitors may be accepted, but it’s a good idea to verify that they’ll be responsibly recycled.
The two most common electronics recycling certifications for North American recyclers are the Basel Action Network’s (BAN)e-Stewardsand Sustainable Electronics Recycling International’s (SERI)R2 Standard.
There are computer monitor recyclers that aren’t e-Stewards or R2 certified, but if you’re wanting to recycle with one of these certified companies, find a directory of them ate-stewards.organdsustainableelectronics.org.
Yes.Staples has been recycling computer monitorssince 2007, andBest Buy followed suitin 2008. Both stores accept both CRT and LCD screens, as well as other computer parts. Best Buy charges a fee to recycle monitors unless you happen to live in California.
As of 2017,25 (or half) of U.S. states require youto recycle some forms of electronics. Of those, 17 havebanned them from landfills. The good news is that every time a new law is passed, recycling becomes that much easier for residents in that state. You’ll likely find your city or county offers computer recycling events at least once a year (usually around Earth Day on April 22).
No, especially if you are trying to recycle a CRT monitor. The costs of breaking down these screens while responsibly removing the lead and/or mercury limits their acceptance by electronics recyclers, and many will specifically exclude monitors from their materials list.
If you can’t separate your screen from the computer processor, you should treat the entire system as a monitor for recycling. You’ll want to unplug all the components (keyboard, mouse, etc.) and find a recycler that accepts CRT monitors. This company would also accept the attached CPU.
When you have one monitor to recycle, a retailer may be most ideal. But if you have numerous screens, you should ask your office if it canplan a recycling drive. You can call an e-waste recycler to send a truck, promote the event to your neighboring businesses, and recycle all sorts of electronics at once. In many cases, the recycler will pick up your electronics at no charge if enough people participate.
Most computer monitor manufacturers are now offering take-back recycling, either by partnering with retailers like Best Buy, Goodwill or Staples, or through a mail-in program (usually only for LCD screens). You’ll want to search your manufacturer’s website for details on its specific program. None of the retailers mentioned above exclude certain brands of monitors, though.
One of the largest recycling problems faced by most countries comes down to the sheer volume of computer electronics that are obsolete and outdated. With technology advances showing no signs of slowing down, it"s no wonder that businesses and home users are constantly upgrading computer monitors.
It"s easy to say that you should be recycling old electronics because it"s the right thing to do. But it"s far more important to understand the fundamental impacts that electronics have on our world when they end up in the trash.
When e-waste like monitors isn"t properly handled at the end of its life, then exposure to the natural elements alone can cause many of the toxic materials to break down and evaporate into the air.
But even modern LCD monitors contain many different metals and chemicals that are perfectly safe when they are contained. But even small amounts of them in the open air canseriously damage animals, plants, and humans.
When monitors and other computer electronics are illegally dumped, or they end up at a landfill, then all those metals like lead, mercury, and cadmium can ultimately release due to heat, cold, and moisture exposure.
These are not problems that arise suddenly, and contamination often happens over many years with a gradual accumulation of the toxins. Once there are symptoms, a lot of the damage has often been done, and people can be left with permanent health problems.
OK, now that you know that those old monitors in the garage or basement could be a health hazard and that the right thing to do is to recycle computer monitors, it"s time to go through this simple process.
If there are loose cables still attached, or the monitor is still attached to a computer, then make sure you remove all the cables first. You can recycle these as well, but it"s best to keep them separate.
You need to make sure that you"ll safely carry and transport the monitor. E-waste can easily break, and it might have already deteriorated a bit if it"s been in storage for a long time.
Now is also a good time to check for any other electronic devices like printers, scanners, and DVD players that are just taking up space and never used.
Make sure that your old computer monitors are safely placed in your trunk so that they avoid falling or rolling around. Those external plastics won"t stand up to much force, and you can quickly damage internal components that contain the heavy metals.
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, then you can bring your old e-waste to the GreenCitizen recycling facility. The company has years of experience in recycling electronic devices and offers competitive rates.
The recycling process for computers and monitors starts with carefully taking apart the electronics into their individual components. There are plenty of plastics, and then there"s the glass and multiple circuit boards.
If you look at a typical electronics circuit board, there will be a combination of plastics, copper, lead, aluminum, and even precious metals like gold.
Separating these materials requires specialized equipment that breaks them down into a pile of metals and plastic. The metals can then be further separated and recycled as raw materials for the electronics industry.
This is becoming an increasingly important part of protecting the environment. Unfortunately, all electronics from your phone to your computer monitor contain many types of metals that often come from mines in third-world countries.
These mines often operate under devastating conditions for both the environment and the people that work in them. Making sure that the majority of those metals can be recycled from devices reduces the demand for such mining operations.
While some materials in these devices can enter the cycle economy, there are others like lead glass that can"t be reused. These need to be separated and then disposed of at specialist sites using containers that make sure they are sealed indefinitely or until there"s a solution for dealing with it better.
While they might not take care of the overall breakdown of the materials, many of them do offer to take back old computer monitors, printers, hard drives, phones, and laptops for free or a nominal fee.
LGoffers a simple process where you can find a drop-off site near you or mail your monitor in at your own expense. The company accepts all electronics that they manufacture, and they partner with some of the largest recycling companies.
Dellhas created a unique approach in that they offer a drop-off and mail-in service where they accept any brand of products. Whether it"s a Dell computer or old Canon printers, if you can attach it to a computer, they will accept it.
Many major electronics stores now offer a recycling program where you can drop off computers, laptops, TVs, monitors, and anything electrical that you bought there.
Now, it used to be the case that you could recycle a monitor if you bought it at the store and had the receipt or if you were buying a new monitor. But it seems like that wasn"t enough of an incentive, and many stores now allow you to drop off several devices per day even if you didn"t buy them there.
Stapleshave a drop-off point in their stores where you can bring pretty much any old computer equipment for free. This is mainly for consumer products and other electronic devices, but it does exclude large kitchen and household appliances.
Best Buy also has a drop-off program, and this is an ideal option if you have a broken monitor and need to head to Best Buy for a new one. Simply hand over the old one as you head into the store, and you"ve saved yourself a trip.
Walmart is rolling out a new concept called the ecoATM. This will allow you to bring old electronics to a designated ATM and then turn it into cash, depending on the age and state. It"s a great way to see if you have some hidden cash sitting in your basement or garage.
This should be your first option if you have computer monitors that are relatively modern and still in working order. Many charities and Goodwill stores will happily accept electronics that could help out people with little financial means.
Reusing electronics as is without refurbishing or recycling is an ideal choice, especially since there are so many people that can"t afford the latest and greatest in modern technology.
Simply contact a local charity store or Goodwill and provide them with details about your device"s age and specifications, and they"ll quickly let you know whether they"ll accept it.
Not only will you do the right thing for the environment, but you"ll also help someone out to enjoy technology they otherwise might not be able to afford.
If you"re in the San Francisco Bay Area and have some old monitors from personal home use, then GreenCitizen offers a free drop-off service . And the process couldn"t be any easier.
You just need to fill out a form with the details of the monitor and computers before you pack them up. Then call to the drop-off point at the GreenCitizen Burlingame EcoCenter and wait for a member of the team to meet you.
They will then check your free recycling items, and they"ll weigh the fee items. All this only takes a few minutes, and you can pay straight away with the reassurance that the company will properly handle all the electronics.
Not only will GreenCitizen ensure that everything is safely recycled, but they can also provide certification of safe data destruction for any storage devices.
If you"re not within driving distance of GreenCitizen, you can still opt for ourfree and fee recycling program. What you need to do is separate the free to recycle items and place those electronic devices in a separate box.
Then weigh the fee items and fill out the mail-in recycling form. All that"s left is to pay the fee online and receive the shipping instructions. You can then use your preferred shipping company to have your old computer monitors and other equipment sent to the recycling center.
GreenCitizen has created a Green Directoryof recycling service providers around the country with an easy-to-use search function. You simply enter what you need to recycle and what your zip code is, and you"ll receive the nearest company that offers a business collection or drop-off program.
Yes, old CRT monitors can be recycled. In most cases, it"s not possible to reuse them with modern computers, but they contain toxic metals that should end up in the trash or landfill.
No, most municipalities don"t operate a curbside recycling program for your old monitor. Leaving a monitor out in the open can also further damage it, making recycling more difficult.
The penalty for not recycling old computer monitors is different from state to state and county to county. In many cases, it ranges from $50 to several hundred dollars, which should be enough incentive not to throw it in the trash.
Yes, a monitor can store data. This is typically more common with smart TVs, but some monitors also have similar functions that could store login details for streaming services. It"s important that you use a data destruction service for such devices.
The easiest way to get rid of working electronics for free is to drop them off at Goodwill or a charity store. If they are relatively new, then you may also be able to recycle them for free at a local recycling center.
You"d be surprised how many homes still have an ancient CRT monitor somewhere in the basement, and getting rid of such equipment is important to avoid any of the harmful chemicals being released.
I strongly suggest starting your recycling effort with GreenCitizen, and even if they aren"t close enough to deal with your old computer screen, laptop, or other devices, our Green Directory will be able to point you to your closest service.
When you replace your flat screen monitor with a new version, you have to figure out what to do with your old one. While it might seem tempting to just toss it in the dumpster, the chemicals and components inside the monitor are hazardous for the environment. Better to reuse or recycle instead.
E-Waste Issues Compared to the old, bulky CRT monitors of yesteryear, which contained pounds of lead, flat LCD screen monitors may seem downright eco-friendly. But the backlights in monitors manufactured before 2009 used mercury, a hazardous chemical to burn or let loose in the environment. The mercury-containing backlights were replaced in 2010 with LED lights, which aren"t toxic, but still need recycling to help companies recover some of the valuable materials inside.
What Not to Do Throwing your old monitor into the trash isn"t just wasteful and possibly dangerous, it may be illegal in your area. States and counties are cracking down on the dangerous materials released when this electronic waste, or e-waste, is tossed into landfills. Setting that old monitor out on the curb on trash day could earn you a fine.
Pay It Forward If the monitor still works well, consider donating it to a local school or charity. Women"s shelters, schools and churches could all use working computer equipment, or post an ad on Craigslist or Freecycle giving it away to whoever shows up first. Ask your friends and family if they could use a good working monitor. No sense sending it to be destroyed if it can still be use to someone.
Recycle For those monitors that have gone belly up and popped their last pixel, a recycling center is the path for you. Not every recycling center can handle e-waste, so call around to find one properly set up for old computer equipment. Search for “computer recycling” or “e-waste recycling” and your city online to find local places to take your old monitor. Some retailers and manufacturers take back old equipment for proper recycling, such as Best Buy and Dell, so check them out. In most cases you"ll have to pay a fee when you turn over your monitor, so shop around to find the best deal.
If you"re still holding onto an old desktop, you might be wondering how to recycle computer monitors. Many people who make the switch to LCD monitors or laptops might have old cathode ray monitors in their house. However, throwing them out isn"t an option. Monitors of all kinds, from cathode ray to LCD, have toxic metals inside that can seriously harm the environment.
Instead, it"s recommended that you repurpose, sell, or recycle the monitors. There are many ways to go about this, including upcycling projects to create new items for use around the home or selling them to make a small profit. If you can"t make a buck off your old monitor, electronics recycling is always an option. With a reliable electronics recycling service, you can send it away, knowing that it will be handled appropriately.
Whether you choose to turn your old monitor into a DIY project, sell it online, or recycle it, you have options. If you"re not sure where to start, here are some tips on how to sell, repurpose, and recycle your monitor safely.
Try your hand at Raspberry Pi. Raspberry Pi offers computers the size of a credit card that can help you make the most of your old monitor in several ways. You can pair your Raspberry Pi with your old monitor and follow the step-by-step projects detailed on their website to create a desktop computer, a retro gaming console, a digital recipe book, a clock, and more.
Make a DIY secret monitor. By cutting out the polarizing film in the monitor and putting it in a pair of glasses, you can create a secret monitor. Anyone looking over your shoulder won"t be able to see anything, but once you put the polarizing lenses on, you can see your monitor display.
Turn it into a smart mirror. This project requires a Raspberry Pi and some other materials and is an excellent project if you"re interested in having a smart-home item with a smart-budget price tag.
Use it as a TV. If you have the right kind of monitor, you can attach some speakers and a cable box and use it as a television. This works especially well for those with large monitors lying around.
If your monitor still functions, you may be able to sell it and turn a small profit. Even old CRT monitors can fetch you money. The key is finding the best venue in which to sell your monitor and pricing it correctly. Luckily, some sites can help you pin down what to charge for your second hand monitor or laptop.
A rule of thumb is that you should never sell monitors for the same price as a retailer, and never price a monitor above another of the same size. When it comes to screens, bigger is better in most people"s eyes. If you"re trying to sell a small monitor for the same price as a larger one, people are going to opt for the larger one, every time.
It"s also essential that you show proof of function in your photos. Plug the monitor in, and display photos to prove that it works properly. People aren"t going to put in the time or effort to buy if they aren"t sure that they"ll be getting a working product.
Your best bet is to list your monitor in an online marketplace, like Facebook or Craigslist. You can also try selling it to a secondhand store, or even donate it to someone less fortunate. Some schools and libraries will accept monitors so they can facilitate computer-learning opportunities. If you know where to look, there"s no harm in searching around for potential buyers or takers.
If the monitor is broken or otherwise unusable, you might have a harder time selling it. Selling a monitor can also take some time if it doesn"t garner immediate interest, and you might not have the time or patience to deal with the selling or donating process.
In that case, recycling your monitor is your best bet. Simply throwing it out isn"t an option. Many curbside garbage programs won"t accept electronics like televisions or monitors, and even if they do, there"s no guarantee that the monitor won"t be shipped overseas or tossed in a landfill. While it might be out of your hair, it will be causing serious damage to the environment.
For that reason, recycling programs are your best option for disposal. Responsible electronic recycling programs are equipped to deal with the toxic metals inside, keeping them out of landfills and e-waste piles.
You can search for e-waste recycling programs online and should know that most reputable e-waste recyclers will charge a fee for this service. Many electronics are not built with recycling in mind, which makes them difficult to strip down and re-use. The process is expensive, and many responsible recycling services rely on these fees to continue operating and make a profit.
In fact, if an e-waste service is offering free recycling, you should be suspicious. They might have ulterior motives, ship the electronics overseas to be dumped elsewhere, or both. Make sure you research whom you"re giving your monitors and computers to, and remember that every electronic that"s responsibly recycled is one that can"t harm the environment.
If you’re searching for a recycling service that provides responsible e-waste pick up and disposal, Junk King can help. Along with monitors, we also pick up and haul away many other items and electronics. If you have extra junk lying around, check out our services to see if we can take it off your hands.
We’ll pick up your items right from your home or office, so you can organize a spring-cleaning sessionto gather up all of your unwanted furniture and electronics, clean out the basement, or take on any other home project.
If you"ve recently relocated your offices, or you"ve finally decided to clear out your garage or storage shed, you may need computer monitor recycling.
That"s because it"s quite likely that you have a few old computers stashed in their somewhere. In fact, it"s possible that if you"re moving your place of business, you may have stacks of old monitors, PCs, and various other types of outdated and unusable electronics. So, what do you do with them?
And in some states it"s not even legalto dispose of much of your old computer equipment and other types of e-waste, or electronic waste, in the household garbage. Or work dumpster either, just so you know.
That includes your old batteries, too, by the way. And those old computer monitors are actually toxic. That"s right - they can contain up to eight pounds of lead in their glass tubes. Not to mention that the inside of the tubes were coated with toxic phosphorousdust.
You can possibly re-use it for some dedicated purpose unless it no longer works, of course, And if it does work, you might still be able to sell it online or donate your monitor. However, if it is really old (think pre-2005), you can dispose of it in a qualifying e-waste recycling program.
Many recycling programs have been established across North America, and they"re dedicated to making sure used monitors aren"t tossed in landfills to rot. And, some states like California, require that these devices and equipment be properly disposed of for recycling.
However, there are some things you should know about what your monitors contain, how they can hurt the environment, and how to find a reliable recycling service. Not all recycling programs are trustworthy, and it"s up to you to find one to whom you can confidently hand over your monitor.
Similar to CRT televisions, CRT monitors use the same core concept and technology. While they performed well for the time, almost everyone has switched to LCD over the years. In fact, it is now almost impossible to find and purchase a new CRT device.
Disposing of them is not simple, however, as the chemicals and components within CRT monitors are hazardous, even toxic, and must be handled and disposed of properly.
If left in a landfill, for example, these monitors slowly degrade, allowing toxic chemicals and heavy metals to enter the soil. From there, they can find their way back into the human ecosystem through plants and animals.
The most notable metal contained in CRT monitors is lead but they also contain cadmium, which is highly toxic, and small amounts of arsenic. Flame retardants used in the construction of many electronics are also highly toxic when disposed of improperly.
LCD monitors have largely replaced CRT in most homes as those dinosaurs went out of production as far back as 2007. But that doesn"t mean the LCD units aren"t detrimental to the environment when illegally dumped or thrown away in a landfill.
While LCD monitors are inherently stable and not a health hazard while being used, once they are disposed of they possess the potential for releasing hazardous material.
The international research team analyzed 362 chemicals used in LCD screens and found that nearly 100 have the potential to be toxic. These particles don"t break down quickly and have "high mobility" in the environment.
In addition, recent research has suggested that liquid crystal monomers - the synthetic chemicals that make LCDs work - contain a variety of toxic chemicals, which tests have shown can leach into the atmosphere.
Before you toss out your old monitor, you can always try to pass it along to someone else or re-purpose it for other purposes like a retro-home security monitoring station. Many programs have been established to provide used electronics to low-income families. And various online sites such as Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist exist to help people sell their old items.
If you have the tech knowledge, you can also revitalize old monitors for a new cause. If you have the time and patience, there are many ways you can try to extend the usable life of your monitor, as well as the potential to recoup some of its cost.
A search for "CRT monitor repurposing" can bring up hundreds of tutorials and photos of people"s creative refurbishing projects. While this hobby can be dangerous if done improperly, it can also be rewarding.
As long as a device still works, it still has value to someone. If you don"t mind holding onto it for a little while longer, try listing it online. No matter how old it is, someone might have an interest in paying you for it. Just make sure to attach a photo of it operating, or people might be suspicious.
If your monitor is broken, obsolete, or otherwise useless, however, you will be better off recycling it. This isn"t always an easy process, unfortunately, causing many people to hold onto their old CRT monitors because they aren"t sure what to do with them.
However, you have probably long ago made the switch to LCD and the good news is that there are many recycling programs accept your old LCD monitors, as well as you ancient CRT, for a small fee.
The problem for recyclers is that CRT recycling is an expensive process that is not highly profitable. So, for that reason, many recycling programs must charge a fee to accept CRT monitors and televisions.
A word of caution here: while many recycling programs do take these electronics off your hands, that doesn"t mean they"re doing the right thing with them. Some companies make their money by exporting CRT and LCD monitors to developing countries, where they are picked apart, burned, or left to rot.
What you want is a reliable, genuinely "green" and local computer monitor recycling service that will pick up your old gear for you. The good news is that there is such a service!
While you could search online for environmentally-friendly recycling program that specializes in computer monitors, hardware, and other e-waste, we have a much easier solution. Just call the pros at Junk King!
The good news is that a junk recycling service like Junk King offers far more than just genuinely green recycling processes for old computer monitors. In fact, at Junk King, we take much, much more than just monitors and other types of e-waste; we also accept things like broken-down appliances and old furniture and even used mattresses.
We take just about anything and everything except for hazardous waste. And after we pick it up and haul it away for you, your junk is sorted through, organized, and recycled, if possible. In fact, we succeed in getting up to 60 percent of everything we collect a new life elsewhere.
If you"re ready to schedule a pick-up, we’ll give you a free price estimate and a courtesy call about 15 to 30 minutes before we arrive to let you know when we’re coming. It"s junk removal made easy.
Laptop computers and liquid crystal display monitors face a $6 to $10 "pre-recycling"" fee come July 1 under a new California law aimed at preventing hazardous electronics waste from entering landfills.
Regulators ground up laptops and LCD screens, poured acid over the remains and measured chemicals that leached out. Copper and lead from the equipment exceeded hazardous levels.
A handful of computer salesmen contacted Tuesday and Wednesday said the fees to recycle monitors are a good idea and wouldn"t deter buyers. But a few thought manufacturers should bear the burden, not consumers.
"You just can"t put any more on the consumer. The manufacturers, I"m sure, are making more than enough money,"" said Rebecca Avelar, a co-owner of the Computer Center of Hayward.
However, you should refrain from kicking a computer monitor out of your house just like the rest of your trash because it comes under hazardous waste.
If a computer monitor is sent to a landfill, it can release harmful compounds that can penetrate into the soil and groundwater, hurting the environment.
Therefore, to properly dispose of your computer monitor and save it from forming into hazardous toxic waste, here are a few sustainable ways that you can follow:
It is very important to abide by the three Rs of sustainability. When it comes to electronic items such as computer monitors, it is very easy to reduce, reuse and recycle them.
Undoubtedly, recycling your computer monitor by sending it back to a computer manufacturer is a great way to go, but donating it to someone in need can play the role of unburdening it from yourself as well as having someone else make good use of it.
Other than this, you can also contact your local community or church organization to send in your old computer monitors and other electrical equipment as well.
These collection drives can help collect several computer equipments or other electrical waste and dispose of it carefully instead of dumping it in a local landfill and creating more toxic waste.
If you do not have any other resources or collection facilities, you should seek out an e-waste collection drive and dispose of your computer monitors the correct way.
If you do not have an e-waste collection drive going on at the moment, you should keep your computer monitors safe and sound till the collection drive comes around.
A great way to go is to collect all your electrical equipment and store it in your garage till you can dispose of it in a collection drive all at once.
These electronic stores also recycle laptops, ink cartridges, printers, hard drives, and any other computer equipment that can be recycled or refurbished.
Other stores such as Best Buy, Staples, or Office Max have their own recycling program, which makes it easy for you to dispose of your computer monitor.
While some people may not want to pay this fee just to dispose of their computer monitors, it is important to think about the bigger picture and how you would be saving the environment.
Yes, old computer monitors that get thrown out in landfills or trash cans do have toxic components such as cadmium and mercury that can harm the environment.
For decades, American families spent evenings gathered around the flickering lights of cathode ray tube (CRT) television sets and connected their desktop computer towers to boxy, tube-powered monitors. But as technology has changed, these heavy, bulky devices fell swiftly out of favor in the last fifteen years, largely replaced by relatively light weight, sleek-looking flat screens. However, according to a 2014 survey by the Electronics Recycling Coordination Clearinghouse (ERCC), almost half (46%) of U.S. households still have at least one CRT television or computer monitor – and who knows how many of those are actively in use, or even usable.
As Americans continue to dispose of the roughly 5 billion pounds of CRT TVs and monitors currently in their homes, it’s an environmental and public health must to do it right. The best, and only truly safe way to dispose of your old tube televisions and monitors is through proper recycling. But, unlike the scrap metal and electronics most of us are more familiar with recycling, you’ll probably have to pay someone to take your CRT devices.
“One of the most common questions we get from customers is ‘Why am I being charged for this?’” says Marisa Head, spokesperson for Cohen Recycling. It can be confusing for customers, she says, because people expect to get paid for most scrap items, and they don’t assume TVs would be any different.
But it’s important for people to know: The costs aren’t new, and they’re definitely not arbitrary. In fact, if a recycling company is willing to take your TV at no charge, that could be a red flag. Here’s why you have to pay to recycle your CRT TV or computer monitor, and why it’s worth the money.
The monetary value in electronics recycling comes from breaking down consumer goods into component parts that can then be sold back into the manufacturing supply chain as raw material. Products like the old CRT TVs and computer monitors were typically shelled in wood or plastic, materials with little recovery value.
Still, many people understandably assume that because recycling companies can often pay to take computer towers and other electronic devices, they should pay — instead of charge — for tube style televisions and monitors. After all, these are still electronics, right? Don’t they have precious metals in their circuit boards and internal wiring?
The answer is yes, but not in quantities that make it worthwhile. “There’s a small circuit board with just trace amounts of gold, but you still have to be able to recover that gold, so you’re talking pennies, not dollars,” says Bob McCarthy, vice president of business development for Cohen Recycling’s electronics-focused subsidiary, Cobalt. “Then there’s copper wire, but again, we’re talking pennies, not dollars.”
The first step in recycling — taking the device apart — must be done by hand. While most electronics are placed in a shredder, which separates metals, plastics and other materials, human labor is required to dissemble CRT TVs and monitors.
While Cohen is able to subsidize the costs of recycling some low-value products, such as TV remotes and old stereo systems, it just doesn’t balance with the CRT devices. “The products and commodities you get out of this once you dismantle aren’t worth what it costs to properly dispose of the finished product,” says Cobalt CEO Joey Fojtik.
If you or someone you know recycled a CRT television or computer monitor several years ago, there might not have been a charge. Companies such as Best Buy would accept these devices from consumers at no charge and have them recycled. But recycling TVs was never truly “free.” Most often, the costs were subsidized by the original equipment manufacturers. In Ohio, where most of the voluntary subsidy programs are going away and there isn’t legislation to mandate it, the cost is shifting back to the consumer.
But, your local recycling facilities — as well as your environmental and public health agencies — still want you to recycle those difficult devices. To encourage people to bring in their difficult to recycle electronics, Cohen partners with local organizations to host collection events every year. The largest of these is the annual PNC/Reds E-Waste Recycling Drive, which takes place each spring.
Just bring your electronics — including those CRT TVs and monitors — and a suggested donation of $10 or more to one of three drop-off points. (Typically, the charge for these devices is around $0.40-0.50 per pound, so the $10 donation can still amount to a significant discount.) In return, Cohen will take your device off your hands, make sure it’s properly and safely recycled, and send you away with two free tickets to a Cincinnati Reds game.
“We want people to bring CRT TVs and monitors in to recycle,” says Fojtik. “There are unfortunately a lot of people who are dumping them because it’s the cheapest solution. We feel confident that we’re doing it the right way, and it gives us peace of mind knowing things will be processed in a positive manner.”
Did you know? Electronic waste, including TVs, is accepted for recycling at all Cohen Recycling Centers year-round. Visit www.cohenusa.com to find the location most convenient to you.
Sadly, if time passes by and your computer monitor is already damaged and old, you should be thinking and planning how to dispose of computer monitors safely. There is an important reminder you must remember when you dispose of computer monitors- it adds to e-waste problems when mishandled or disposed of in a wrong and harmful way. There are hazardous materials that compose computer monitors, and knowing the effects of those dangerous components in life will convince you to be more responsible for disposing of computer monitors.
Computer monitors contribute to e-waste problems because there are toxic components and pollution risks in them. It is highly discouraged to dispose of computer monitors in trash cans since the materials in computer monitors are associated with danger. The skyrocketing amount of e-waste problems comes with the computer monitor materials like lead, cadmium, mercury, and copper leach that can cause harmful effects to the environment. The soil and water will suffer when they come in contact with any dangerous elements from computer monitors.
The computer monitor, anelectronicoutput device is quite extensive and can be easily seen once disposed of quickly. Therefore, it is easily detected once it is disposed of in the wrong way. But, before we deal with how you should clear it out of your space, here are the different types of computer monitors. It is essential to learn what kind of computer monitor you have to help identify how to dispose of computer monitors.
Computer monitors have various types based on their components and structures that make them unique from one another. As the days pass and innovation continues to grow, computer monitors also upgrade due to flexibility and convenience. Each of them has its characteristics and downsides. Thus, it is good to know how you will act on it once monitor damage occurs in your working area.
CRT monitors are the early version of computer monitors. It utilizes beam electrons to create an image and display it on the screen. Some guns shot a beam of electrons on the screen, producing red, green, and blue rays. Other colors are generated by combining these primary colors.
These monitors are lightweight and occupy less space. Flat-panel monitors also consume less power than CRT monitors. These types of monitors do not provide harmful radiations making them more effective to use. Also, these are more expensive and available in different sizes like 15", 17", 18", "19 and others. Its display is made up of two plates of glass.
Touch screen monitors are both input and output devices. It enables users to use the computer by fingers or stylus rather than a mouse and keyboard. When a finger presses the screen, it immediately directs to processing. Inputs are in the form of touching the icons on the screen.
As the technology develops, computer monitors do upgrade as well. LED monitors are flat-screen monitors which use a panel of LEDs. Numerous devices utilize LED displays such as television, mobile phones, tablets, etc. If this is the monitor type you have, you will later know the proper ways on how to dispose of computer monitors.
This new flat light-emitting display technology is more efficient, brighter, and convenient, and it is best to use when you want to see displays with better image resolution. OLED technology is also utilized in tablets and has updated versions of smartphones.
DLP or Digital Light Processing is an innovation used for displaying the image on big screens. It is made up of a digital micromirror device - a small mirror enclosed on a microchip. It projects better image quality compared to LCD technology. If you want a better display in the image, you can opt for DLP computer monitors.
TFT monitors are LCD flat panel displays which mean thin-film transistors. All pixels are managed by one to four transistors. Those LCD panels which utilize TFT technology are called active-matrix displays. These displays project higher image quality than older passive-matrix displays.
A plasma screen monitor is like hanging LCD and LED televisions. It is a thin and flat-panel, which enables it to be convenient for hanging on walls. This type of monitor has a widescreen, high contrast aspect, which effectively reduces blur videos. However, plasma screen monitors have disadvantages like screen burn-in, more power consumption, heavier than other types, and low brightness with long-time usage.
There are a huge variety and options for computer monitors, and they differ in the preparation of disposal. Nevertheless, we must thoroughly organize how to dispose of computer monitors to avoid severe problems like pollution risks in water and soil.
You might think that it is easy just to dump the old and damaged computer monitors into the garbage, but there are problematic consequences with improper disposal. The outcomes will make you and the people work harder because the effects are the e-waste problems. It is better to learn the proper disposal of computer and computer monitors to avoid the adverse aftereffect of toxic computer components. The skyrocketing e-waste dumps are hard to solve without the cooperation of all electronic device users.
Being responsible is by learning how and why there is a need to comply with safe and properelectronic devicedisposal. To prevent your old computer monitor from turning into toxic electronic waste, dispose of it in any sustainable way. Here are some easy ways to properly and safety tips on how to dispose of computer monitors:
There are no complicated steps in recycling computer monitors; thus, there is no need for too much preparation. There are basic steps to comply with how to dispose of computer monitors. You can just take away all the wires and the additional materials and components attached to the monitor. You also need to remove the power cord as well. It is better to tie it up or wrap it neatly. Whatever ways you recycle your computer monitor, you need to be careful not to break any part of the computer monitor to prevent the toxic components" leakage.
Moreover, when you recycle yourold computermonitor, you can convert it to other valuable tools in your house. Rather than being buried in a landfill or cause danger in the garbage, enhance your creativity by finding ways to make your computer monitors useful again.
If you are disposing of computer monitors because you want to use the latest model, you can donate them. Rather than breaking to dispose of computer monitors, it can still work fine, which is a loss. If your computer monitor is still in good condition, it can be accepted as a donation. Although recycling computer monitors is also a good idea, some people will genuinely be grateful for obtaining donations. Also, donating or giving away your computer monitor, someone who may find it helpful, is the greenest way to release yourself from the old computer monitor.
When you are not confident in your knowledge and skills on how to dispose of computer monitors yourself, the best option is to consult the experts. You can find the perfect electronic disposal companies that can help you deal with your computer disposal problems. Electronic waste disposal services are suitable to do the job of disposal because they are experienced in knowing the proper ways on how to dispose of computer monitors according to the safe environmental disposal andrecyclingof computer monitors.
You can solve your computer disposal problems with the help of Abtron. We provide services for our customers" convenience. Forget all the stress and hassle in computerdisposalsbecause we are the experienced experts to handle and inform people on how to dispose of computer monitors. Know that here in Abtron, we comply with the safe and environment-safety responsible disposal of any electronic devices.
Aside from our top-level disposal service, we also offer other outstanding services such as IT assets depot services, hard drive recovery, and secure data destruction. We give high value to privacy; thus, we make sure that there is no possible data leakage in our services. In Abtron, you can also access the top server and computer equipment. With the credible and competent years of service of Abtron, you are guaranteed an excellent deal. Contact us today!
While you can probably throw a computer away in the trash, it isn’t really recommended. Not only is it going to be awful for the environment, but it is also going to be awful for your security too.
Computers should be taken to your local recycling center or to an electronics store that offers recycling services. Some computer manufacturers also have programs that let you mail in your computer for recycling.
We want to take a look at both of these here, as well as give you an idea about what you should be doing with your old computers as opposed to just leaving them by the side of the road for the garbage men to haul away.
Before we go any further, we do want to point out that in some places in the United States, it is 100% illegal to throw your old computers in the trash. If you do this, then you will be ‘enjoying’ some rather substantial fines.
You will probably have to look into the laws for your town or city to discover whether it is illegal to throw a computer away in the standard trash. If it is, then avoid doing it. Don’t even think about it.
Even when you ignore all the other benefits of recycling your computer, the fines are just not going to be fun. It may also result in criminal charges, which, again, is not going to be that awesome.
If it is legal to throw a computer away in the trash where you live, then the garbage men will have no problems hauling it away. However, do bear in mind that the computer is almost certainly going to end up in a landfill.
Now, the thing with your computer is that it has been made with a ton of heavy metals and other chemicals. They are brilliant for making computers, but they are not brilliant for the environment.
Once your computer has been buried in that landfill, it will start to breakdown. As it does this, it will release all of those awful chemicals and heavy metals into the surrounding environment. Once this happens, nothing will be able to grow on that land for centuries.
The heavy metals will also find their way into the local water supply. This may impact your drinking water. It will almost certainly kill off animals that rely on nearby water sources. You may have only used your computer for a couple of years, but it is going to be impacting the environment for thousands.
If you have thousands of people saying “my computer won’t harm the environment”, then suddenly you have thousands of computers buried in a landfill. That willharm the environment.
Some of these are incredibly rare resources, while others require a ton of effort to produce or extract from the ground. Thankfully, all of these metals can be reused.
Anything that cannot be recycled in a computer (and there is very little that cannot be recycled!) will be removed and thrown in the trash. Yes. This part will be ending up in the landfill. However, we promise you that this is going to do far less damage to the environment than throwing a whole computer into the landfill.
Because there are only some recycling facilities that have the ability to recycle electronics, including computers, then you may need to do a little bit of research to ensure that wherever you are taking your computer will accept it. Although, to be honest with, even if they do have the equipment there, they will know exactly where it should be sent for recycling. You can leave it with them.
Most recycling centers will gladly accept computers, as will your local dump (they will normally have recycling set-up there). This is probably going to be the quickest way to recycle your computer. They will break everything down for you, so you don’t have to worry about doing anything other than preparing your computer for recycling (see the next section)
If your computer is fairly modern, or you have a laptop, then you may find that many computer companies or electronic waste recycling companies may pay you a small amount of cash for your computer. They are really paying you for the parts so that they can be reused, or the gold removed from the circuits.
The only problem is that it is becoming harder and harder to find places that offer this sort of service. If you do, then they aren’t going to be offering anywhere near the same amount of money that they would have offered in the past.
Finally, just because the computer is useless for you doesn’t mean that it is going to be useless for somebody else. If you want to make a bit of cash, then you can always sell it secondhand. This will prevent it from ending up in a landfill, it gets reused (which is good for the environment) and you are going to be making a bit of cash when you sell it on too.
Of course, for older computers, going to your local recycling company or dump will be your best bet. Do not just leave the computer by the side of the road. There is no guarantee that it will be recycled unless there is a recycling truck that drives past your home.
While you can just take your computer to a recycling center and be done with it, this isn’t really something that we would recommend. This is because your computer will have your hard drive in it. This means that you will have a ton of personal data.
However, if you are leaving your computer by the side of the road, or you are planning to recycle by selling the computer, then you may need to do a bit of preparation.
Don’t give it away. This is the only way you can 100% guarantee that your data will be safe. Although, selling a computer without a hard drive in can be quite a tough ask.
Luckily, there is plenty of software out there that you can use to wipe the hard drive clean. You may also want to do a full reinstall of the operating system before you sell the computer.
Sure, this is going to require some extra effort on your part, but trust us, this extra effort is going to be worth it when you realize that your personal data is not at the risk of being stolen.
Under absolutely no circumstances should you be throwing a hard drive in the trash. There are people out there who go through trash cans looking for this sort of thing. They will know what to do with your hard drive if they get their hands on it.
Yes. You can recycle computer monitors in the same way that you recycle your computer. Once again, you should not be throwing these in the trash as they will end up damaging the environment.
To be honest with you, if the computer monitor is still in decent working condition, then it may actually be better to sell it, or take it to your local thrift store. This is a lot less resource-intensive than recycling the monitor.
Of course, with a monitor, you won’t have to do much in the way of preparation. All you need to do is give that monitor a decent clean before you sell it on and you should be fine.
Most computer accessories will be made mostly of plastic. Sure, there will be a small amount of metal in there which can be reused. However, the main reason why you want to be recycling computer accessories is to ensure that the plastic does not damage the environment.
You can take your computer accessories to the same place that you recycle your computer. Alternatively, you could put in the effort to take apart the accessory and put the plastic in with your normal recycling, and just take the circuit board to the local recycling facility. It is a bit of extra effort, sure. However, some people find that it is worth it.
Laptop batteries are filled with chemicals that are more harmful to the environment than any computer. While not everything in a laptop battery can be recycled, the recycling company will at least know how to handle the harmful chemicals to ensure that they are not polluting anything.
No. They will not end up anywhere near a trash can. There are special rules and regulations in place for the handling of batteries in many places throughout the United States.
In fact, if you head to your local electronics store, there is a strong chance that they will have a battery box for old batteries that you can use. If you use it, you can be certain that the batteries will be dealt with safely.
While you can throw away a computer in the trash, you shouldn’t. It benefits nobody. It does nothing more than fill up space in a landfill, damaging the environment for centuries to come.
Where possible, you should always try to recycle a computer and accessories. Sure, it does take a small amount of extra effort but, we promise you, benefitting the planet that you live on is more than worth it!
Computer equipment including CPU, flat screen TV’s and monitors, keyboard, printer, mouse, power supply, external drive, scanner, printer, fax machine, stereo, radio, VC’, tape backup drive. CRT TV’s and monitors and rear projection TV’s are not accepted.
Waste Management: (321-636-6894 or 321-723-4455) - if you live in unincorporated Brevard or within city/town limits of Cocoa, Cocoa Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Palm Bay, Malabar, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Mims, Satellite Beach, Scottsmoor.
Waste Pro: (321-837-0055) – if you live within the city/town limits of Cape Canaveral, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, Grant-Valkaria, and Port Canaveral.
Donate to a local organization by contacting the National Cristina Foundation (NCF) on-line or at 203-863-9100. NCF can refer you to a needy nonprofit organization, school, or public agency in the area. That organization will contact you to arrange pick up or delivery. The donation is tax deductible.
Dell and Goodwill Industries have partnered for computer recycling in a program called: “Dell RECONNECT”. This is a FREE program for consumers to reuse and responsibly recycle unwanted household electronics. Simply bring your donations to a Goodwill Store or an attended donation center. They will accept for recycling the following items: computers, keyboards, hard drives, printers and monitors. Also please go to our recycling page and click on Recyclopedia for area computer dealers.
Drop off at Best Buy customer service desk for recycling. NEW - accepts TV’s, monitors, DVD players, audio/video items, cell phones and more regardless of where each item was purchased. Accepted - CRT TV screens can be as large as 32” and Flat panel TV’s up to 60”. There is no charge for recycling small accessories such as keyboards or mouse. Please contact Best Buy for specific details regarding fee amounts for recycling large items.
Drop off at an Office Depot store customer service desk for recycling. There is a fee to purchase a “Tech Recycling Box” that ranges from $5-$15 depending on which size box you need (sizes range from 8” to 24” high).
DELL offers free recycling and (free pickup) of any Dell computer equipment, even if you are not buying new equipment. Also, if you buy a new a Dell computer and select the recycling option at the time of purchase, your old PC and monitor will be recycled at no cost, regardless of manufacturer. Dell offers 10% off coupon. Call 1-800-915-3355 or visit the website.
Please note: residents, businesses and haulers are limited to recycling ten (10) televisions and/or computer monitors (including “all-in-one” computers) per calendar year. This limit does not apply to tablets and laptops. Once the recycling limit is reached, residents and businesses may dispose of additional televisions and monitors as regular solid waste, charged at the same rate.
From donation to disposal, check out the choices below to see what the best e-waste disposal option is for you.1. SellIf your devices still work, you could try selling them for some extra money. The list below is a great place to start when looking for ways to sell your electronics.
2. DonateDonating electronics in working condition not only keeps them out of landfills, but it can make a difference for someone in need. Contact your local charity, homeless shelter or other non-profit organization to see if they are accepting donations. Otherwise, consider these national donation centers:3. RecycleAnother way to get rid of electronics is recycling. E-waste usually contains metal and other reusable materials, so recycling electronic waste is one of the more environmentally-friendly options available. However, only 1.02 million tons of e-waste was recycled in 2017 — or just 35.9%. Many electronic stores have a recycling program that could include a store credit incentive. Check out the list below to see some of the e-waste recycling options available.
4. Collection EventsElectronics may be considered hazardous waste in your city or state because they contain materials like mercury. In fact, 19 states — as well as Washington, D.C. — already have banned e-waste from landfills. As a result, many cities offer special e-waste collection days throughout the year. Call or visit the website of your local government to find where to drop off electronics at upcoming collection events, and ask about these standard regulations that often apply:
Is there a limit to how much you can drop off?5. Curbside CollectionIf your city offers bulky item pickup, electronics may be something you can toss curbside. However, keep in mind that each city has its own rules and regulations when it comes to what items are accepted. Before taking your e-waste to the curb, call or visit the website of your local government to make sure they’ll accept your old electronics and to ask if some of these common restrictions apply:
6. Hire a Junk Removal ServiceA junk hauling company may be a good option to get rid of your e-waste, but it really depends on the amount you have to toss. Some junk removal services will offer individual item pricing, but it is more common to find pricing based on how much space your items take up in their truck — often with a minimum price that covers 1/8th of a truck. If a junk removal service seems like the right option for you, keep in mind it typically involves:
Team members entering your home to remove the electronics.7. Rent a DumpsterIf you’re working through a home cleanout or junk removal project that includes electronics, getting a residential dumpster rental may be the most convenient disposal option for you. However, some cities and states have restrictions or extra fees for sending e-waste to landfills. To learn more about e-waste disposal practices in your area, give us a call.
SearchHow to Secure Your Data Before DisposalWhether you’re throwing out a computer, cell phone or television, you should take steps to ensure that your personal information is kept safe. If you opt to use a professional service, the EPA recommends using a company with either R2 or e-Stewards certification. If you want to secure your devices yourself, follow these steps to eliminate your data.
If you don’t already have your data backed up, now’s the time to do it. The most common options are to use an external hard drive or one of the various cloud storage options. However, if you already have a replacement, you can also do a direct data transfer to the new device.Remove Memory Cards
Many smaller devices such as phones or tablets offer expandable memory via SD or PCMCIA cards. These cards often become the default saving spot for files like videos and photos. Be sure to check and remove your memory card before getting rid of your device.Reset Settings
Nearly all electronic devices can be reset to factory settings. How to do it, though, can be different for each device. Some devices have a physical button you must hold in for a specific time, while others involve a combination of keys. Consult your user manual to see how to reset your device before disposal.Need to Dispose of a Specific Electronic Device?Click on the electronic device you need to toss for disposal tips. Item not listed? Give our team a call at 877-814-9781.How to Throw Away a TVSometimes you need to throw away an old TV. How to do it can be a bit tricky, but we’ve got your back. Check out the sections below to see if tossing, selling, donating or recycling is the best option for you.
Did You Know: Tube televisions are one of the hardest electronic devices to throw away because they contain hazardous materials like mercury and lead. The best way to toss these TVs is a hazardous waste collection event.
Dumpster RentalRenting a roll off dumpster is great if you have a TV to toss as part of a home cleanout. However, there may be restrictions due to local regulations.
Curbside Trash PickupElectronics are usually only collected on bulk pickup day and extra fees may apply. Some cities no longer take certain items, so call to see if your e-waste is accepted.
Local Collection EventsMany states consider e-waste hazardous. If that’s your situation, you can take your television to a collection event. Call ahead to find out details and any fees that apply.Other Ways to Toss a TV
Can I Sell My TV?Maybe you got lucky and won a new TV in a raffle or someone gave you one as a gift. Whatever the reason, if your old one is still works, there’s no reason to pitch it if you can get something for it.
Wherever you decide to sell your old TV, make sure you present the buyer with as much information as yo