Computer Monitor Recycling Solutions

Improving your existing PC isn’t necessarily technically challenging and the simple process of replacing your old computer monitor can improve functionality significantly. This is most apparent when upgrading from an older CRT or flat panel screen to one with LED backlighting and high definition. The down side to replacing older hardware, particularly a Monitor is that it generates waste as a by-product. importantly is the disposal of the waste, much of which contains hazardous components. This, to a certain extent can be resolved by considering the Waste Heirarchy- or 3Rs, which commonly consist of Reduce, reuse and recycle. The last two options are most applicable in this situation in that you could:

• Dontate it to a Friend or re-purpose it for re-use in another environment
• Consider a Charity- some equipment may be of use and resellable. Older equipment (CRTs in particular) probably are not welcome.
• Householders could drop it off at a HWRC (Household waste recycling center).
• Send it to a licensed WEEE recycling facility

It’s much easier to dispose of an old computer today than it was a decade ago. However, a lot of old equipment contains hazardous components with chemicals such as Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and Phosphor in them. Many others contain Poly Chlorinated Biphenals. Although it’s worth while hunting around to find the most cost effective recycling route- particularly with some recycling centres offering a free service or paying you for your hardware, it’s worth checking out exactly where your old equipment will end up. Not all centres actually recycle and you could be unwittingly contributing to waste dumped in developing countries. However, if your old screen has reached the end of the road, it’ll need to be disposed of via an Authorised Treatment Facility- usually tied in with an HWRC. If you’re bypassing the HWRC though and going straight to the Treatment Facility, make sure you get a Hazardous Waste Transfer note for your old monitor- the note in itself means that it’ll be effectively tracked through the waste stream and you will know which facility actually destroyed it.

Above:A Toxic Computer Dump in Accara, Ghana, filled with old CRT monitors from the West and Developed World

While companies such as HP, Apple or Dell will only recycle computer monitors that they manufacture, some stores that stock those particular brands will also take in your old equipment no matter it’s manufacturer and offer a rebate off new equipment in return.

However, the greenest and easiest way to recycle your old screen is to donate it to someone that can use it. Other than using your car to transport the old monitor to it’s new home, it’s the most Carbon Neutral way of recycling your old screen- assuming it’s actually needed by it’s new owner!

Above all, it’s most important to remember to recycle your old monitor, rather than let it end up in the rubbish bin or skip. Inside the EU (and UK), the Hazardous Waste Regulations prohibit the use of landfill and have done so since 2005. This is because the materials commonly found in computer monitors—lead, arsenic, and mercury—are all extremely toxic and will leach back into groundwater- probably ending up in your local river or worse still drinking water!