are lcd monitors hazardous supplier

Senate Bill 20 (SB 20) (Sher), known as the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003, established a statewide program to promote and fund the collection and recycling of hazardous electronic devices beginning July 1, 2004. Under the new law, retailers will collect an advance recycling fee on covered electronic devices at the time of purchase.

The money collected will be used to fund an electronic waste recycling program that reimburses authorized electronic wastes collectors and recyclers. The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) jointly administer the program. SB 20 identifies covered electronic devices as cathode ray tubes (CRTs), flat panel screens, and other similar devices that DTSC determines to be hazardous. DTSC’s Hazardous Materials Laboratory is now testing consumer electronic devices to

A preliminary report on the results of recent toxicity testing on laptop computers and liquid crystal display (LCD) desktop computer monitors indicate that these devices contain hazardous levels of copper and lead. The determination means that these devices will join CRTs as covered devices regulated under SB 20.

The lab’s findings are available in a report entitled “Determination of Regulated Elements in Laptop Computers and LCD Desktop Monitors for SB 20.” The report details how laptop computers and LCD monitors of different brands and models were analyzed. Testing methods included the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure and the California Waste Extraction Test. The results of these tests were compared to the hazardous waste regulatory thresholds for each analysis.

The SB 20 regulations and related information are available on DTSC’s Web site’s Laws page and on California Legislative Information’s site under Health and Safety Code, Division 20, Chapter 6.5, and Westlaw under Title 22 Division 4.5.

-“These chemicals are semi-liquid and can get into the environment at any time during manufacturing and recycling, and they are vaporized during burning,” said University of Saskatchewan environmental toxicologist and lead author John Giesy in a press release. “Now we also know that these chemicals are being released by products just by using them.”

-The researchers found the specific monomers isolated from the smartphones were potentially hazardous to animals and the environment. In lab testing, the chemicals were found to have properties known to inhibit animals’ ability to digest nutrients and to disrupt the proper functioning of the gallbladder and thyroid–similar to dioxins and flame retardants which are known to cause toxic effects in humans and wildlife.

-To be clear, the researchers didn’t observe any adverse health effects from the accumulation of liquid crystals in the human body; they only found that these crystals do in fact leak from devices, and that they have the potential to be toxic. “We don’t know yet whether this a problem, but we do know that people are being exposed, and these chemicals have the potential to cause adverse effects,” said Giesy.

-If you crack LCD screens and find the liquid crystal leakage, don’t panic. Just remember that the liquid crystal materials might not be more toxic than your detergents for stove or washroom. Just wash your hands with soup throughout. Never try to play with it or even worse to taste it. The liquid of the cracked computer screen will not evaporate, no emissions worries.

-Any electronics has environment impact and can’t be used landfills. If you want to get rid of old LCD monitors or LCD TVs, give them to electronic collection stations. Let’s the professionals to handle them. They will extract some precious metals/parts and make them into something useful or at least not hazard. FYI, liquid crystal materials are retrievable.

So, your old computer monitor has finally taken permanent turn for the worst and is now ready for disposal. What to do? Well, there may be a number of beneficial ways to dispose of an old computer monitor: recycling, donating and repurposing spare parts are options, but there are also a number of choices to avoid. In fact, simply tossing your old monitor could be hazardous, and in some cases, illegal.

That’s because, in order to work properly, many computer monitors contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment if released. For instance, LCD monitors produce visible light by sending electrical impulses to the mercury contained within them. Manufacturers continue to use the dangerous liquid since few other sources possess the qualities necessary to produce this desired effect.

Yet another factor regarding disposal is the increasing speed with which computer monitors and electronic devices containing hazardous wastes are being discarded. In 2005, the average lifespan for a computer monitor had shortened to about two years, down from the five years reported in 1992. Shorter lifespans keep consumers on the lookout for new monitors.

As consumers continue to seek out newer styles or the latest technological upgrade, turnover rates have increased. This, in turn, means an increased number of computer monitors destined for disposal on an almost yearly basis.

This also means it is crucial for consumers to have a working knowledge of both the environmental risks, and in some states, the legal risks of improperly disposing old computer monitors. Luckily, a number of e-recycling services are well versed in the best methods of disposal available today and can assist with recycling monitors safely.

Computer monitors, like so many electronic devices can sometimes contain a number of dangerous chemicals. Disposal can cause a release of toxins into the air, ground water or soil. When hazardous electronics are disposed near lakes and streams, the water often becomes contaminated.

Thus, it is important to know which monitors are hazardous and why. The standards for this assessment are usually specified in country-specific regulations imposed by governmental bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency here in the U.S.

According to the EPA, an electronic device is considered hazardous under a number of complex circumstances. Hazardous waste belongs to a special EPA category unto itself and has special rules attached to disposal. The regulations for disposal of hazardous wastes may vary from state to state.

Electronic devices can be deemed hazardous for a number of reasons — mainly their contents. Computer monitors, in particular, are susceptible to a hazardous waste categorization. Typically, the older a monitor, the more likely it contains hazardous components.

For instance, both old and new monitor models tend to contain mercury, as mentioned. Other chemical contaminants, like cadmium, lithium and harmful flame retardants, can also be found in monitors. In addition, some of the outer shells of monitors can contain phosphorous coatings or be made of PVC plastics.

Knowing the hazardous material contained within computer monitors makes it easy to see that they do not belong in landfills. In most cases, when the monitors remain intact, there is a reduced risk of leakage. However, the possibility of a monitor remaining intact over time in a landfill is extremely slim.

Every one of the chemicals contained in monitors could seep into soil. Contaminated soil eventually works its way into groundwater reservoirs, thereby poisoning water supplies and weakening local ecosystems. Clearly, the effects of landfilling monitors are extremely hazardous and detrimental.

A number of states have taken action to prevent environmental exposure to hazardous chemical found in computer monitors and other electronic devices. Today, 20 states have active e-waste landfill bans in place.

For instance, Illinois, a state that enacted its landfill ban in 2012, bans most electronic devices, including computer monitors from both landfills and incinerators. An incinerator ban on electronics is significant, because electronics contain a number of chemicals that are not harmful until heated. Heating can release toxic gases into the atmosphere. Few other states ban both these types of disposals.

Some states have laws in place beyond the basic landfill ban. In Maryland and Connecticut, laws are in place that require manufacturers to label those electronic devices that contain mercury. Such labeling laws aim to identify electronics containing hazardous wastes, thus increasing the likelihood that these will be disposed properly.

Manufacturers are required to work with recycling centers and state or municipal programs to ensure that e-waste is properly recycled. In some instances, the responsibility also includes regulating the way a device is made. Such requirements urge manufacturers to consider available alternatives to the hazardous chemicals and structural materials traditionally found in computer monitors and other electronic devices.

Due to the environmental hazards and legal issues involved, consumers must keep informed about the most suitable and safe way to dispose of computer monitors. Here is where it is important to know the collection methods in your city or neighborhood and to make sure to keep informed about the requirements at your local recycling center.

Excellent resources for more information about proper disposal in your area can be found at your local chamber of commerce, city hall or community center. Because each community may vary in its response to the need for proper collection and disposal of computer monitors, it is important to inquire first, before disposal, to get the details you will need.

The best way to ensure that tossing your old computer monitor is neither hazardous nor illegal is to find a electronics recycling service capable of properly handling electronic devices. The recycler can help with collecting and recycling the device in a way that both complies with state and federal guidelines and protects the environment.

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.

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.

Video display products that contain cathode ray tubes (CRTs) can give off x-rays. The CRT is a specialized vacuum tube that receives and displays images on an electronic screen. Most modern computers monitors and televisions (TVs) today use liquid crystal display (LCD), Light-emitting diodes (LED), or plasma.

In the early 1960s, some TVs with CRTs were found to emit excessive x-radiation, and a federal performance standard was created to protect the public from this hazard. Today, electronic technology for TVs and computer monitors with CRTs has changed so drastically that the level of risk of x-ray exposure is almost non-existent. Manufacturers of products that use CRTs must certify that their products comply with the federal performance standard for the life of the product.

TV receivers and computer monitors containing CRTs no longer pose a risk of emitting any x-radiation. Since the creation of the federal performance standard, the FDA has tested hundreds of TV receivers and computer monitors and rarely encountered any that were unsafe.

Manufacturers of electronic radiation emitting products sold in the United States are responsible for compliance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), Chapter V, Subchapter C - Electronic Product Radiation Control.

Manufacturers of televisions and video display products are responsible for compliance with all applicable requirements of Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (Subchapter J, Radiological Health) Parts 1000 through 1005:

In addition, TV receivers and monitors with CRTs must comply with radiation safety performance standards in Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (Subchapter J, Radiological Health) Parts 1010 and 1020:

Technology is constantly evolving, bringing us new and better devices that leave us questioning what we ever thought was so great about those old ones in the first place. Last year’s mobile phones, TVs, and computers that use LCD screens are now dated by ever-improving models and a better grade of LCD – so replacing and upgrading the technology is important.

So, what should we do with these old devices and LCD hardware with a lifespan of 10-20 years that we now have lying sad and forgotten in the corner, in the attic, or out on the curb? Recycle them, of course! LCDs have their own regulations for recycling, so here are some tips on how to recycle your old LCD screens and devices.

LCDs that were manufactured before 2009 use cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFLs) to backlight the display. These CCFL displays contain mercury, which makes them hazardous to dispose of or incinerate. Other electronic products can contain hazardous chemicals, such as heavy metals and brominated flame retardants. These materials can leak out of landfills and into groundwater, streams, etc., or can be transformed into “super toxicants” while being incinerated. Throwing away these types of devices can clearly be harmful, even today. There are still some harmful chemicals and materials inside electronic devices that will damage the environment if they aren’t disposed of properly—and many times, they aren’t.

Another big problem is that because of the turn-over rate of these electronic devices, LCD screens are just left sitting in landfills. Since they need to be disposed of in certain ways, they’re left to sit and waste away, taking up space in the landfills. Many states have laws prohibiting the disposal of electronic waste in landfills. Because of that, LCDs are likely to sit and rot, or be incinerated in large quantities. They also could be shipped off to other countries that don’t have these prohibiting laws, which is definitely not the best solution to the problem.

Many times, we get new and better gadgets before the current one even needs replacing. That old TV still works, still shows the picture clearly and there’s not a scratch on it. But this new one…well, it’s bigger. It has the Internet capabilities built right in and it can do backflips! Okay, not really, but the point is that we tend to get something new while we still have a perfectly functioning, but slightly older, model. Instead of keeping it in the attic, you can donate it or recycle it to companies and stores in your area that will take it. These places can resell it to people who don’t have the latest backflipping TV, mobile phone or tablet.

Since the issue was raised, there has been much research performed on the best method for recycling LCD screens. Different facilities have different ideas, practices and processes. Some of these processes include removing the hazardous waste materials from the screens/monitors; others believe in completely taking apart the device/screen piece by piece and seeing what can be resold or refurbished, then disposing of the rest in environmentally friendly ways.

Almost 98% of an LCD monitor can be recycled. All plastics are removed to be recycled into new products. Printed circuit boards can be recovered from LCD recycling and smelted to recover valuable metals, while cabling is stripped to reclaim copper and other metals.

Considering how frequently we get new electronic devices, being smart about LCD recycling can make a huge difference. General Digital encourages all of its customers to recycle their used computer monitors and televisions. Learn more about e-cycling from Maryland’s Department of the Environment, and Maine’s Department of Environmental Protection.

I used to work for a laptop manufacturer doing support, and we were instructed that in the event that a customer ever called reporting a leaking LCD we were to IMMEDIATELY tell them to hang up the phone, call emergency services, and get a hazmat team onsite, while we escalated the call to our internal dedicated safety response team. That seems like a pretty harsh response (it"s more severe than what I would have been expected to do for anything short of "My laptop set my house on fire") so I"m inclined to think this stuff isn"t especially safe. It may be true that it"s only a hazard if ingested, though; based on my semi-limited knowledge of the chemistry involved that seems possible. If it were me, though, I"d take the extra cautious route just in case.

(In practice, this basically never happens short of a severe puncture like a blade would cause because of the way these things are manufactured. I"ve actually never personally heard of a situation where an LCD was leaking short of taking a bullet.) EDIT: Let me just make this stronger. This hardly ever happens, ever, anywhere, ever - it"s designed to prevent exactly this sort of problem. Unless you actually witness it in action there is probably no reason to worry about it. See further discussion in comments.

A cathode ray tube (CRT) is the glass video display component of an electronic device (usually a television or computer monitor). EPA encourages repair and reuse as a responsible ways to manage CRTs. If reuse or repair are not practical options, CRTs can be recycled. Recycled CRTs are typically disassembled so that valuable materials can be recovered.

Due to the presence of lead located in the funnel glass, CRTs marked for disposal are considered hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). However, CRT glass and used CRTs that are recycled or exported for recycling are not considered solid or hazardous waste under RCRA if certain conditions are met (See title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations - CFR - section 261.4(a)(22)).

CRTs and CRT glass were once easily recycled into new CRTs. However the demand for new CRTs has collapsed in favor of new flat panel technologies. Because of rising costs, negative economic incentives and shifts in CRT glass markets, some CRT processors and recyclers are choosing to store the glass indefinitely rather than send it for recycling or disposal, which increases the risk of mismanagement and/or abandonment of CRTs. EPA has begun a dialogue with all parts of the electronics recycling community – including manufacturers, recyclers, non-governmental organizations, and governmental entities – to encourage the identification and development of sustainable solutions to the CRT stockpile challenge.

Additional resources are availablefor those interested in EPA’s ongoing efforts to facilitate discussion within the electronics recycling community to help move towards a solution to the end-of-life management of CRTs.

Old computer monitors may seem like junk—especially the huge ones that take up more space than a microwave oven! But don’t send that useless piece of computer hardware to the curb with the rest of your trash. Computer monitors, as well as other electronic equipment, is considered hazardous waste. Computer monitors and other eWaste can be harmful if it is left in a landfill, as it contains a number of chemicals and compounds that can seep into the groundwater and soil. These harmful substances can be reintroduced into the environment or even into drinking water supplies—particularly if the computer monitor’s final resting place is in a third world country, where landfill standards are lower.

The three R’s of sustainability are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, and they are prioritized in that order. While recycling may be the most convenient way to get rid of your old computer monitor, donating it to someone who may have a use for it is the greenest way to unburden yourself of the old computer hardware. Thrift stores, such as Goodwill and Salvation Army, often accept computer parts, which they either distribute to needy individuals or refurbish and sell along with complete computer systems. This is a great way for low income families to get functional computers in their homes. Check with your local church organization or senior center for computer parts drives as well.

In larger cities, organizations or municipal agencies occasionally run eWaste collection drives, where you can drop off your old computer equipment for safe disposal for a little to no fee. These are usually conducted in areas where there aren’t regular eWaste collection facilities or resources. So, if you have computer equipment and computer monitors laying around, your best bet is to keep it somewhere safe and check to see when the next eWaste collection drive is. Round up all of your old eWaste at that time and get rid of it all at once.

Many big box office supply and electronic stores allow you to recycle electronic equipment, including ink cartridges, hard drives, laptops and of course, monitors. Staples, Best Buy and Office Max have programs, though they may vary from store to store. At Staples, for example, you can get store credit for recycling certain items.

There are many ways to sustainably dispose of your computer monitor, some of which benefit you directly, others which benefit your neighbors and community members and all of which benefit the environment. Take time to do the right thing and donate or recycle your computer monitors.

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.

The fee is already levied on televisions, but state toxics regulators are testing cell phones, handheld video games, plasma screens and other electronics to see whether they could leak hazardous materials once buried in a dump.

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.

By April 1, manufacturers must submit to retailers a list of electronics that require a recycling fee. State toxics officials are still testing and expect more equipment will require the hazardous recycling fee.

Passed in September, the Electronics Waste Recycling Act requires that manufacturers reduce hazardous ingredients in electronics products sold in California and requires that the state collect fees on certain electronics to fund e-waste recycling programs. - Tri-Valley Herald(Pleasanton, Calif.)

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:

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.

BAN has been certifying recyclers since 2006 to ensure that no electronics are exported overseas. R2 (originally R2 Solutions) has been around since 2008, and focuses more on certifying the recycling process and data destruction.

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.

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.

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.

Liquid Crystal Displays (LCDs) have replaced Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) as the main display devices in recent years. To satisfy the increasing demands, billions of LCDs are manufactured annually. As more LCDs are produced and used, the amount of LCD waste is increasing at an alarming rate. Current treatment technologies can disassemble LCD into multiple components and recycle them according to their materials. However, there is no suitable model for treating LCD panels. Research has repeatedly shown the harmfulness of liquid crystal, indium and other heavy metals which LCD panels contain. As a result an increasing number of countries have classified LCD panels as hazardous waste. Because of this, future processing of LCD panel waste will require on-site burial, burning, or physical disposal, not only increasing processing costs, but also causing environmental damage. This is a huge problem. That is why this recycling technology for waste LCD panels is a kind of revolutionary breakthrough.

The pilot plant handles 3T of waste LCD panels daily, with a liquid crystal recycling rate of 100%, indium recovery rate of more than90% and glass recycling rate of 100%

Liquid crystal is the main component of LCD. It is a chemical with a high unit cost, high stability and low biodegradability. While the harmfulness of liquid crystal is uncertain, its structure contains a large volume of benzene rings, fluorine, chlorine, and bromine, which, if buried, may seep into subterranean water systems and impact ecosystems. Physical processing entails breaking down LCD panels and adding them to cement or concrete, which does not remove liquid crystals and heavy metals from the panels, so they may still enter and harm the environment following rain or washing. Based on environmental and economic considerations, the liquid crystal in the LCD panel should be reused.

To prevent the pollution caused by waste LCD panel disposal, and to control processing costs, ITRI thoroughly analysed the characteristics and reusability of each material contained in LCD panels, and designed a logical separation procedure according to the associations between each material, first separating liquid crystal, indium, and glass, and then developing purification technology for each material which enables the reuse of these materials. Liquid crystal can be reused in new LCDs or liquid crystal smart windows. Indium can be refined as the raw material of sputtering targets. Glass can become a humidity-controlling green building material or heavy-metal adsorption material.

ITRI’s pilot plant can treat 3 tons of waste LCD panel per day of operation, producing 3 kilograms of liquid crystal, 750 grams of indium, and about 2,550 kilograms of glass, which can be reused as humidity-controlling green building material or heavy-metal adsorption material. ITRI’s team uses the pilot plant for technical verification of on-line scrap LCD panels and end-of-life LCD panels. ITRI can build the LCD panel processing center for LCD manufacturers and e-waste recycling companies.

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.

The first thing that"s important to understand is how big of a problem electronics are. With people replacing phones every year and computers every few years, it shouldn"t come as a surprise that there are mountains of discarded electronics every year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Electronic waste (E-waste) encompasses a broad and growing range of electronic devices, ranging from large household appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, and air conditioners, to hand-held cellular phones, fluorescent lamp bulbs (tubes), and personal stereos. Once built to be repairable, consumer electronics are now Designed to be replaced on a routine basis - and then discarded.

E-waste - and in particular the cathode ray tubes (CRTs) contained in computer monitors and television sets - represents an enormous and growing solid and hazardous waste problem for California and for the planet. With the recent Designation of CRTs as hazardous waste, the cost to taxpayers and local governments for their collection, processing and clean up, could easily exceed $1 billion over the next five years. And, the E-waste problem will continue to grow at an accelerated rate. Californians are expected to buy more than 2.2 million new computer systems every year, rendering their older systems "obsolete."

The purpose of this report is to raise awareness of the large and growing scope of the E-waste problem in California. Specifically, this report attempts to educate the public and policy makers regarding the volume and hazards posed by E-waste, the growing financial impact on local governments and taxpayers for its cleanup, and the consequences of continued inaction. Finally, the report offers a blueprint for action: A market-based policy approach that encourages waste reduction and minimizes taxpayer responsibility while increasing producer responsibility.

Over the last several years, no product so epitomizes the problems posed by obsolete electronics as the personal computer. Due to their growing waste volume, toxicity and management cost, they are the focus of this report. How California chooses to address the problems posed by obsolete computers is likely to set the tone for the broader spectrum of E-waste.

Analysts estimate that more than 6,000 computers become obsolete in California every day. They are either tossed out with the trash and subsequently landfilled by trash collectors - often illegally - or stored in attics and garages for a later day when they will be dumped.

The National Safety Council reported in 1999 that only 11% of discarded computers were recycled, compared with 28% of overall municipal solid waste. In California, estimates of computer recycling range from 5% to 15%, compared to a 42% rate for overall solid waste and a 70% rate for major appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.

For large commercial customers, computer system distributors may negotiate for the collection and management of obsolete computer systems. However, there remains very little information on where and if these computers are recycled.

For the individual consumer looking to properly manage an obsolete home or office computer, options for recycling are virtually nonexistent. Recycling options that do exist typically come with a price tag of $10 to $30 per unit.

The cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in computer monitors, television sets, and other video display devices contain significant concentrations of lead and other heavy metals. The State of California recently affirmed that:"...when discarded, CRTs are identified as hazardous waste under both federal and State law and are required to be managed in accordance with all applicable requirements, including generator, transporter and facility requirements."

As a hazardous waste, the disposal of CRTs in municipal solid waste landfills is prohibited. Additionally, collection, whether for recycling or disposal, must be regulated and permitted as a hazardous waste activity.

Computer or television displays (CRTs) contain an average of 4 to 8 pounds of lead each. The 315 million computers that will become obsolete between 1997 and 2004 contain a total of more than 1.2 billion pounds of lead. Monitor glass contains about 20% lead by weight. When these components are illegally disposed and crushed in landfills, the lead is released into the environment, posing a hazardous legacy for current and future generations. Consumer electronics already constitute 40% of lead found in landfills. About 70% of the heavy metals (including mercury and cadmium) found in landfills comes from electronic equipment discards. These heavy metals and other hazardous substances found in electronics can contaminate groundwater and pose other environmental and public health risks.

Other hazardous materials used in computers and other electronic devices include cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, PVC plastic and brominated flame retardant. Mercury, for example, leaches when certain electronic devices such as circuit breakers are destroyed. The presence of halogenated hydrocarbons in computer plastics may result in the formation of dioxin if the plastic is burned. The presence of these chemicals also makes computer recycling particularly hazardous to workers and the environment.

Recycling of computer materials and components - when properly implemented - represents the safest and most cost-effective strategy for addressing the problems posed by inoperative or outdated computers. Recycling computer materials and components and removing and/or reducing and treating the hazardous components conserves resources, reduces environmental and public health threats, and protects worker safety, while substantially reducing the high cost of permanently storing and disposing of hazardous wastes in permitted hazardous waste facilities.

Computers, televisions and other E-scrap contain valuable materials and components that are technically recyclable. The problem is the lack of collection incentives and recycling infrastructure, as well as the high cost of material collection, handling and processing.

If the task is left to local governments, the management of obsolete computer monitors alone is likely to double both the volume and cost of already overburdened and under-funded household hazardous waste (HHW) programs.

Recently, some local governments and at least two computer manufacturers have established "pay-as-you-go" collection programs that require consumers and small businesses to pay a fee in order to drop off or ship their obsolete computers for recycling. Costs for these programs range from $7 to $30 or more per unit. These programs are doomed to failure.

IBM sold more than 3 million computers in the United States last year, and was the first manufacturer to establish a pay-as-you-go system for recycling obsolete computers. So far, results are disappointing to say the least. According to the company, less than 1,000 computers (0.03% of annual sales) have been recycled under this system.

The State of California has taken an important first step, by recognizing that electronics scrap and junk computers are hazardous wastes that must be kept out of landfills. But there"s much more that must be done.

Europe has taken the lead in addressing the E-waste problem by proposing an ambitious system of "Extended Producer Responsibility" (EPR). In May of 2001, the European Union (EU) Parliament adopted a directive that requires producers of electronics to take responsibility - financial and otherwise - for the recovery and recycling of E-waste. A second directive requires manufacturers to phase out the use of hazardous materials. California should follow the EU"s lead.

Manufacturers of electronic devices should be required to phase down - and where feasible, phase out - the use of hazardous materials in their products.

Manufacturers should be responsible for meeting specified recovery and recycling goals for electronic devices, providing manufacturers with an incentive to help finance the development of a convenient and effective collection infrastructure.Manufacturers should be required to pay the net cost of recycling electronic devices (or the cost of proper disposal for devices that are not recyclable). This proven approach will provide manufacturers with an incentive to Design products for recyclability, as well as to develop markets for recycling.

Taxpayer funded local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) programs are already overburdened and under funded and should not be financially responsible for the new task of electronic waste management. In the short-term - in areas where no other collection opportunity exists - HHW programs should be authorized to charge-back manufacturers for the costs of managing their electronic devices.

Manufacturers of computer monitors, television sets and other electronic devices containing hazardous materials must be responsible for educating consumers and the general public regarding the potential threat to public health and the environment posed by their products, and for raising awareness of the proper waste management protocol. At minimum, all computer monitors, television sets and other electronic devices containing hazardous materials must be clearly labeled to identify environmental hazards and proper materials management.

We are passionate about the role we play as stewards of the nation’s environment. Our 36,000+ employees are dedicated to helping ensure a cleaner, safer and healthier world, where people and communities can thrive for generations to come.