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The process of Computer Monitor Recycling isn’t as simple as tossing it on a pile in a computer recycling center. Glass in computer monitors contains lead, a hazardous material. And, similar to a television screen, the monitor has a vacuum seal that has to be very carefully released before the final stages of recycling can take place.

Computer monitor recycling centers have special areas that handle this particular stage of dismantling. By use of negative pressure, the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) containing the vacuum is safely released with the proper equipment. Monitor parts such as plastic, cables, casings and circuit boards are separated for further recycling. The monitor tube is the most important aspect of Computer Monitor Recycling because it contains lead. These tubes also have metal housing parts and may include taping and labeling as well.

Glass recycling is a huge and ever-changing industry. Just as general recycling has become an enormous industry over the past several decades. Glass recycling centers use huge machines to crush glass into various densities…from powders to fine shards. The end product is then ready for use as an additive to other materials to produce varieties of products. Thus, computer monitor recycling is an important step in glass recycling once all of the hazardous materials have been safely removed.

The labor involved in computer monitor recycling is intensive due to the complex steps involved in separating parts. Obviously, workplace safety is a large consideration whenever glass or recycling glass is involved.

At its inception, computer monitor recycling was largely focused on businesses with volumes of computer monitors in use. Large shipments of used computer monitors to be recycled are regularly picked up at businesses for a nominal fee. But, computer monitor recycling has filtered down to home computer parts recycling as well. Many municipalities, counties and states have environmental regulations in place that mandate all computer monitors be recycled. In some areas, computer monitors can be dropped off at a regulated site. While in other areas, computers and computer monitors are recycled at specially scheduled dates and locations. They are often advertised as Computer Monitor Recycling days.

Businesses involved in computer monitor recycling have sprung up as a result of environmental compliance regulations that directly affect businesses. In the strictest compliance regulations regarding computer monitor recycling, fines may be involved if they are not properly recycled. Computer monitor recycling businesses rank among the top ten of the new “green industries” that are providing new opportunities in terms of labor and environmental awareness.

By recycling computer monitors, costly disposal at special landfills is avoided. Given, the toxicity of lead, computer monitor recycling makes sense to the environment as well as ecologically.

Old computer monitors can be recycled by the simple means of donating them to various organizations if they remain in good condition. Many schools, nursing homes and libraries will accept computer monitors that are in working condition. Just be sure to ask for a receipt. It will come in handy when it’s time to file income taxes and you need additional tax credits.