Why monitors cannot go in general waste
Computer monitors are classified as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) under the WEEE Regulations 2013. This applies to all display types: cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), LED-backlit, and OLED screens. Placing a monitor in commercial or household general waste is illegal and risks prosecution by the Environment Agency or local authority.
Monitors also contain materials that cause environmental harm if they reach landfill. CRT screens use lead-oxide glass in their tubes — a significant quantity per unit. LCD panels may contain mercury in fluorescent backlights (though this varies by age and manufacturer). Both require processing by licensed facilities equipped to handle hazardous waste.
Types of monitor and recycling considerations
CRT monitors
CRT monitors are largely obsolete but still appear in IT disposals from organisations that have not refreshed equipment recently. They are bulky and heavy, and the funnel glass contains significant concentrations of lead. Licensed CRT recyclers separate the panel glass from the funnel glass and process each stream separately. Do not attempt to break a CRT screen — this releases lead dust and risks injury from implosion.
LCD and LED monitors
These are the most common type in current business use. They contain less hazardous material than CRTs but still require WEEE-compliant disposal. Fluorescent CCFL-backlit screens may contain small amounts of mercury. LED-backlit screens avoid this but contain other materials — indium in the panel, for example — that are valuable to recover.
Touchscreen and specialist displays
Touchscreens, interactive whiteboards, and dual-monitor arms are also WEEE. A certified ITAD provider can advise on the correct classification if you are unsure.
Do monitors hold personal data?
Standard monitors do not contain storage media and do not retain personal data. However, some smart monitors with built-in computing functions or USB hubs may have internal memory. If you are unsure, check the manufacturer’s specification sheet before disposal.
Monitors disposed of alongside computers and laptops should still be part of an organised audit to confirm no storage media are present. For a full overview of data destruction requirements, see our guide to data destruction for businesses.
How to recycle a monitor: step by step
1. Check for damage
Cracked or broken screens should be wrapped carefully to prevent further breakage. Inform your ITAD provider so they can handle the item appropriately.
2. Remove cables and stands
Cables are WEEE in their own right. Keep them for separate disposal or pass them to your ITAD provider at the same time. Monitor stands are usually plastic and metal; most ITAD providers accept them with the screen.
3. Assess whether the monitor can be reused
A monitor in working condition with no dead pixels or significant cosmetic damage may be suitable for refurbishment and reuse. This is preferable to material recycling under the waste hierarchy.
4. Choose a certified WEEE recycler
For businesses, this means a provider registered as an authorised WEEE treatment facility with the Environment Agency. Ask for ISO 14001 certification as evidence of environmental management standards.
5. Arrange collection or drop-off
Recycle4Charity offers free monitor collection from London businesses. Working monitors that pass refurbishment assessment are donated to digitally-excluded Londoners. Our monitor recycling service for London businesses covers all London boroughs.
6. Retain documentation
Keep the Waste Transfer Note for at least two years. This is a legal requirement under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (duty of care provisions) and the WEEE Regulations.
Business options compared
| Option | Cost | WEEE compliant | Reuse offered | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified ITAD provider (e.g. Recycle4Charity) | Often free for bulk | Yes | Yes | Waste Transfer Note issued |
| Manufacturer take-back | Varies | Yes | Sometimes | Variable |
| Council HWRC | Free (households only) | Yes | No | None |
| In-store electrical retailer return | Free | Yes | No | None |
| General waste | N/A — illegal | No | No | None |
What happens during monitor recycling?
A certified recycler will first assess whether a monitor is suitable for refurbishment. Working screens that meet quality standards are cleaned, tested, and prepared for reuse. Screens that fail the assessment are disassembled: metal frames are separated for scrap; plastic housings are shredded and granulated for secondary plastics processing; circuit boards are sent to specialist processors for precious metal recovery; CRT glass is separated by type and processed by licensed lead-glass recyclers; LCD panels are processed for mercury recovery where applicable.
Recycling multiple monitors at once
Businesses refreshing a fleet of monitors should plan disposal in advance. Bundling monitor disposal with computer, laptop, or other hardware disposal allows a single ITAD collection to cover all WEEE in one visit, reducing disruption and administrative overhead. Recycle4Charity can accommodate mixed-load collections.
Ready to recycle your monitors?
Visit our monitor recycling for London businesses page to book a free collection. We provide full WEEE documentation and, where possible, donate working screens to community organisations across London.