If your business has a stack of old monitors sitting in a storage room, you’re not alone. Monitors are one of those “we’ll deal with it later” items because they’re bulky, they feel awkward to dispose of, and people aren’t always sure what’s actually inside them.
The truth is: computer monitors are very recyclable, but they need to go through the right process—especially if they’re older LCDs with mercury-containing backlights or if the screen is damaged.
Below is a clear breakdown of what’s in a monitor, what happens during recycling, and why handling the screen (and what’s behind it) is a big deal.
What’s inside a computer monitor?
Most computer monitors are a mix of:
-
Plastics (housing, bezels, internal supports)
-
Metals (steel/aluminum frames, screws, brackets)
-
Circuit boards (power supply boards and control boards with recoverable metals)
-
Glass + layers in the display panel (especially in LCDs)
Electronic recyclers aim to separate this into clean material streams (plastics, metals, glass, and electronics/boards). That “separate it cleanly” approach is exactly how major electronics recyclers describe the end goal of responsible recycling—turning devices into commodity streams like plastics, steel, copper, aluminum, glass, and precious-metal-bearing circuit boards. (Example overview: https://www.simslifecycle.com/oem/how-computers-are-recycled/)
LCD monitors: why the screen matters (a lot)
Most modern computer monitors are LCDs (liquid crystal displays). The “liquid crystal” isn’t sloshing around like a water bottle, but it is a real material layer inside the panel that’s part of how the screen works.
The bigger issue with many older LCD monitors isn’t the liquid crystal itself—it’s the backlight.
CCFL backlights can contain mercury
A lot of older LCDs use CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) backlights, and mercury is part of how those lamps operate. That’s why responsible recycling focuses on removing and isolating those components during disassembly. The Irish EPA’s LCD recycling research notes that CCFL removal is a prerequisite because the lamps contain mercury and must be isolated. https://www.epa.ie/publications/research/waste/strive-122—state-of-the-art-recycling-technology-for-liquid-crystal-displays.php
California’s DTSC also flags LCD devices with CCFL lamps as something that needs to be managed under specific rules (universal waste lamps / hazardous waste depending on how they’re handled). https://dtsc.ca.gov/guidance-for-managing-lcd-devices-and-lcd-device-uw-lamps-residuals/
Liquid crystal recycling
You’ll see some places claim the liquid crystal is “recycled.” You might be wondering “What does that mean exactly?”. Well what’s accurate (and supported by research) is:
-
Specialized electronic recyclers and researchers can separate the LCD stack, including glass, films, and liquid crystal layers, as part of controlled processing. Purdue researchers describe tools designed to help recyclers separate components including glass, liquid crystals, and the mercury-containing backlight unit. https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2012/Q4/new-tools-to-aid-in-recycling-flat-screen-monitors%2C-tvs.html
-
Intact, undamaged panels are generally easier and safer to process because the layers stay contained and the backlight system is less likely to break. Once a display is cracked, it’s still recyclable, but it requires more careful handling and better containment procedures (especially if mercury-containing components are present). DTSC guidance on LCD lamps and residuals is a good reference point for why careful handling matters. https://dtsc.ca.gov/guidance-for-managing-lcd-devices-and-lcd-device-uw-lamps-residuals/
So the practical takeaway is: yes, LCD panels can be processed and separated by qualified recyclers—and it’s best when the monitor isn’t damaged, because separation and safety control are simply easier.
CRT monitors: a different type of computer monitor (and why they’re regulated differently)
If your business still has older, bulky “tube” monitors (CRTs), those need special handling too.
The U.S. EPA explains that CRTs have lead in the funnel glass, and CRTs being disposed are considered hazardous waste under RCRA because of that lead—while CRTs sent for recycling can fall under specific regulatory exclusions if conditions are met. https://www.epa.gov/hw/cathode-ray-tubes-crts
That’s one reason responsible recycling programs separate CRT monitors from other electronics and treat them as their own stream.
Monitor vs TV: what’s the difference (and why electronic recyclers care)?
People sometimes use “monitor” and “TV” interchangeably, but they’re not the same product category.
A few practical differences:
-
TVs typically include a tuner and broadcast features (and often more built-in audio hardware). Monitors are usually built as a display for a computer signal, not for over-the-air broadcast.
-
Image processing and input lag: TVs often do more processing (upscaling, motion smoothing, etc.), while monitors are generally designed for faster response. RTINGS describes how monitors typically have lower input lag on average than TVs (though there are exceptions). https://www.rtings.com/monitor/learn/pc-monitor-vs-tv
-
Recycling streams can differ because TVs may have different internal layouts, speakers, and boards—even when the display tech looks similar from the outside.
From an electronic recycling standpoint, the important part is: both should go to certified electronics recycling, but they may be categorized differently in collection programs and processing lines.
So how does monitor recycling actually work?
A responsible recycler typically follows a workflow like this:
-
Collection & sorting
LCD vs LED vs CRT are often separated because the hazards and processing steps differ. (CRT leaded glass is a big reason here: https://www.epa.gov/hw/cathode-ray-tubes-crts)
-
Manual disassembly (especially for displays)
Housing plastics come off, metal frames are separated, and boards are removed.
-
Backlight and panel handling
For CCFL-backlit LCDs, mercury-containing lamps need to be isolated as part of safe recycling workflows. https://www.epa.ie/publications/research/waste/strive-122—state-of-the-art-recycling-technology-for-liquid-crystal-displays.php
-
Material recovery
Metals, plastics, glass, and circuit boards go into downstream commodity recovery streams (plastic reprocessing, metal refining, precious metal recovery from circuit boards, etc.). A mainstream recycler summary of this “separated streams” approach is here: https://www.simslifecycle.com/oem/how-computers-are-recycled/
The business-friendly part: we’ll pick up your monitors
If you’re a business in Utah and you have monitors to recycle (whether it’s 10 or 300), the easiest way to handle it is to use a recycler that’s set up for commercial pickup and proper processing.
Recycle IT will come pick up and recycle your business’ computer monitors—and keep the process simple on your side.
Schedule a pickup for your Utah business here.
Sources
-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) and leaded glass regulation
-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Electronics recycling and materials management overview
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling
-
California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) – Guidance for managing LCD devices and mercury-containing lamps
https://dtsc.ca.gov/guidance-for-managing-lcd-devices-and-lcd-device-uw-lamps-residuals/
-
Irish Environmental Protection Agency – State-of-the-art recycling technology for liquid crystal displays (LCDs)
-
Purdue University – Research on tools and methods for recycling flat-screen monitors and TVs
-
Sims Lifecycle Services – How computers and electronic displays are recycled
https://www.simslifecycle.com/oem/how-computers-are-recycled/
-
RTINGS – Differences between computer monitors and TVs
If your business has a stack of old monitors sitting in a storage room, you’re not alone. Monitors are one of those “we’ll deal with it later” items because they’re bulky, they feel awkward to dispose of, and people aren’t always sure what’s actually inside them.
The truth is: computer monitors are very recyclable, but they need to go through the right process—especially if they’re older LCDs with mercury-containing backlights or if the screen is damaged.
Below is a clear breakdown of what’s in a monitor, what happens during recycling, and why handling the screen (and what’s behind it) is a big deal.
What’s inside a computer monitor?
Most computer monitors are a mix of:
-
Plastics (housing, bezels, internal supports)
-
Metals (steel/aluminum frames, screws, brackets)
-
Circuit boards (power supply boards and control boards with recoverable metals)
-
Glass + layers in the display panel (especially in LCDs)
Electronic recyclers aim to separate this into clean material streams (plastics, metals, glass, and electronics/boards). That “separate it cleanly” approach is exactly how major electronics recyclers describe the end goal of responsible recycling—turning devices into commodity streams like plastics, steel, copper, aluminum, glass, and precious-metal-bearing circuit boards. (Example overview: https://www.simslifecycle.com/oem/how-computers-are-recycled/)
LCD monitors: why the screen matters (a lot)
Most modern computer monitors are LCDs (liquid crystal displays). The “liquid crystal” isn’t sloshing around like a water bottle, but it is a real material layer inside the panel that’s part of how the screen works.
The bigger issue with many older LCD monitors isn’t the liquid crystal itself—it’s the backlight.
CCFL backlights can contain mercury
A lot of older LCDs use CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent lamp) backlights, and mercury is part of how those lamps operate. That’s why responsible recycling focuses on removing and isolating those components during disassembly. The Irish EPA’s LCD recycling research notes that CCFL removal is a prerequisite because the lamps contain mercury and must be isolated. https://www.epa.ie/publications/research/waste/strive-122—state-of-the-art-recycling-technology-for-liquid-crystal-displays.php
California’s DTSC also flags LCD devices with CCFL lamps as something that needs to be managed under specific rules (universal waste lamps / hazardous waste depending on how they’re handled). https://dtsc.ca.gov/guidance-for-managing-lcd-devices-and-lcd-device-uw-lamps-residuals/
Liquid crystal recycling
You’ll see some places claim the liquid crystal is “recycled.” You might be wondering “What does that mean exactly?”. Well what’s accurate (and supported by research) is:
-
Specialized electronic recyclers and researchers can separate the LCD stack, including glass, films, and liquid crystal layers, as part of controlled processing. Purdue researchers describe tools designed to help recyclers separate components including glass, liquid crystals, and the mercury-containing backlight unit. https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2012/Q4/new-tools-to-aid-in-recycling-flat-screen-monitors%2C-tvs.html
-
Intact, undamaged panels are generally easier and safer to process because the layers stay contained and the backlight system is less likely to break. Once a display is cracked, it’s still recyclable, but it requires more careful handling and better containment procedures (especially if mercury-containing components are present). DTSC guidance on LCD lamps and residuals is a good reference point for why careful handling matters. https://dtsc.ca.gov/guidance-for-managing-lcd-devices-and-lcd-device-uw-lamps-residuals/
So the practical takeaway is: yes, LCD panels can be processed and separated by qualified recyclers—and it’s best when the monitor isn’t damaged, because separation and safety control are simply easier.
CRT monitors: a different type of computer monitor (and why they’re regulated differently)
If your business still has older, bulky “tube” monitors (CRTs), those need special handling too.
The U.S. EPA explains that CRTs have lead in the funnel glass, and CRTs being disposed are considered hazardous waste under RCRA because of that lead—while CRTs sent for recycling can fall under specific regulatory exclusions if conditions are met. https://www.epa.gov/hw/cathode-ray-tubes-crts
That’s one reason responsible recycling programs separate CRT monitors from other electronics and treat them as their own stream.
Monitor vs TV: what’s the difference (and why electronic recyclers care)?
People sometimes use “monitor” and “TV” interchangeably, but they’re not the same product category.
A few practical differences:
-
TVs typically include a tuner and broadcast features (and often more built-in audio hardware). Monitors are usually built as a display for a computer signal, not for over-the-air broadcast.
-
Image processing and input lag: TVs often do more processing (upscaling, motion smoothing, etc.), while monitors are generally designed for faster response. RTINGS describes how monitors typically have lower input lag on average than TVs (though there are exceptions). https://www.rtings.com/monitor/learn/pc-monitor-vs-tv
-
Recycling streams can differ because TVs may have different internal layouts, speakers, and boards—even when the display tech looks similar from the outside.
From an electronic recycling standpoint, the important part is: both should go to certified electronics recycling, but they may be categorized differently in collection programs and processing lines.
So how does monitor recycling actually work?
A responsible recycler typically follows a workflow like this:
-
Collection & sorting
LCD vs LED vs CRT are often separated because the hazards and processing steps differ. (CRT leaded glass is a big reason here: https://www.epa.gov/hw/cathode-ray-tubes-crts)
-
Manual disassembly (especially for displays)
Housing plastics come off, metal frames are separated, and boards are removed.
-
Backlight and panel handling
For CCFL-backlit LCDs, mercury-containing lamps need to be isolated as part of safe recycling workflows. https://www.epa.ie/publications/research/waste/strive-122—state-of-the-art-recycling-technology-for-liquid-crystal-displays.php
-
Material recovery
Metals, plastics, glass, and circuit boards go into downstream commodity recovery streams (plastic reprocessing, metal refining, precious metal recovery from circuit boards, etc.). A mainstream recycler summary of this “separated streams” approach is here: https://www.simslifecycle.com/oem/how-computers-are-recycled/
The business-friendly part: we’ll pick up your monitors
If you’re a business in Utah and you have monitors to recycle (whether it’s 10 or 300), the easiest way to handle it is to use a recycler that’s set up for commercial pickup and proper processing.
Recycle IT will come pick up and recycle your business’ computer monitors—and keep the process simple on your side.
Schedule a pickup for your Utah business here.
Sources
-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) and leaded glass regulation
-
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Electronics recycling and materials management overview
https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling
-
California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) – Guidance for managing LCD devices and mercury-containing lamps
https://dtsc.ca.gov/guidance-for-managing-lcd-devices-and-lcd-device-uw-lamps-residuals/
-
Irish Environmental Protection Agency – State-of-the-art recycling technology for liquid crystal displays (LCDs)
-
Purdue University – Research on tools and methods for recycling flat-screen monitors and TVs
-
Sims Lifecycle Services – How computers and electronic displays are recycled
https://www.simslifecycle.com/oem/how-computers-are-recycled/
-
RTINGS – Differences between computer monitors and TVs