Disposing of an old monitor in Chicago? This guide lists every option — free drop-off at major retailers (Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot), manufacturer mail-back programs (often free with prepaid label), and certified local recyclers within driving distance. Each option below shows what's accepted, the cost, and what to do with your data before handing the monitor over.
*Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team*
When your Monitors reaches end-of-life in Chicago, you have three routes: manufacturer take-back, council collection, or a certified recycler. Here's how each works in practice.
*Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 01 April 2026*
## Where can residents recycle monitors in Chicago?
Residents of Chicago can recycle monitors at various locations, including Best Buy stores and Goodwill donation centres. The city also offers drop-off points through the local Department of Environment.
*According to the UN Global [e-waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste) Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.*
Chicago residents have several options for recycling their old monitors. Best Buy provides free e-waste recycling services at all its Chicago locations. Additionally, Goodwill has partnered with Dell to offer a nationwide monitor collection program in select areas across Illinois. Local government initiatives like those from the City of Chicago's Department of Environment also provide designated e-waste drop-off points.
## Free drop-off points for monitors in Chicago
Free drop-off points for monitors include Best Buy and Goodwill locations throughout Chicago. The city's official website lists specific sites where residents can dispose of their old electronics without charge.
*According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.*
Monitors recycling in Chicago becomes easier with the help of local retailers like Best Buy, which has multiple stores across the city offering free e-waste recycling services. Similarly, Goodwill donation centres are scattered around the area and accept monitors for reuse or proper disposal. The City of Chicago's Department of Environment website provides a full list of drop-off points, ensuring residents can find nearby options.
## Special handling requirements for monitors
Monitors need special handling due to their hazardous materials content. [Data wiping](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/data-destruction-before-recycling) is necessary before recycling to protect personal information. Batteries should be removed and recycled separately if possible.
Monitors contain cathode ray tubes (CRTs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs), which can include hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and phosphor. As a result, monitors require careful handling during disposal. Data wiping is important to protect sensitive information from being accessed by others after recycling. Many drop-off points will ask if the monitor has any personal data left on it, so users should clear their hard drives or enlist professional [data destruction](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/data-destruction-before-recycling) services beforehand. Additionally, batteries often need to be removed and recycled separately due to safety regulations.
## Trade-in options for working monitors
Working monitors can be traded in at Best Buy and other electronics retailers for store credit or cash back. The value varies based on the monitor's condition and model but typically ranges from $50 to $200.
Monitors recycling in Chicago doesn't have to mean losing money if your monitor still works. At Monitors in Chicago, retailers like Best Buy offer trade-in programs where you can bring in a functional monitor and receive store credit or cash back. The value of the monitor depends on its condition, brand, model, and age. For instance, trading in an older but functional 24-inch LCD monitor might yield around $50, whereas a newer high-resolution model could fetch up to $200.
## What happens to recycled monitors
Recycled monitors are disassembled at recycling facilities where reusable parts are extracted. Materials like glass and metals are separated for reuse or repurposing. In 2019, Illinois processed over 56 million pounds of e-waste through responsible recycling programs.
Monitors recycling in Chicago involves a thorough disassembly process to recover valuable materials. This includes separating the monitor's casing from its internal components. Glass tubes and metals are then removed for processing. The recovered glass might be reused in new CRT manufacturing or converted into glass fibres for insulation products. Metals such as copper, silver, gold, and platinum can also be extracted and sold back to industry sectors needing raw materials. According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's report on e-waste management from 2019, over 56 million pounds of electronics were recycled responsibly in that year alone.
## Sources
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
- Consumer Technology Association
Compliance and law: e-waste in Chicago
Disposal of electronics in US is regulated by the following laws. Compliance protects you from fines and ensures your e-waste is processed safely.
EPA E-Waste Regulations (US Federal) (United States)
Federal rules on hazardous waste disposal. No federal mandate for e-waste recycling but regulates CRT monitors, batteries, and mercury-containing devices. Enforced by: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Read the full regulation summary
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (United States)
US federal law governing hazardous waste disposal. CRT monitors and certain batteries are classified as hazardous waste under RCRA. Enforced by: EPA.
Read the full regulation summary