Disposing of an old monitor in Los Angeles? 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*
**Monitors recycling in Los Angeles** is governed by a mix of local council policy, manufacturer take-back commitments, and certified recycler facilities. This guide pulls them together.
*Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 01 April 2026*
## Where Can Residents Recycle Monitors in Los Angeles?
Residents can recycle monitors at Best Buy stores, Staples Easy Tech Drop-off locations, or Goodwill donation centers around Los Angeles.
*According to the UN Global [electronic waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/[electronic waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste)) Monitor 2024, only 22.3% of e-waste was properly collected and recycled in 2022.*
### Free Drop-off Points for Monitors in Los Angeles
Best Buy offers free recycling of up to two electronics items per day per person under their Greener Gadgets program. This includes monitors. Staples also provides an Easy Tech Drop-off service where you can recycle old computers and monitors at no cost, as part of their commitment to e-waste management. Goodwill stores throughout the city accept working or broken electronic devices for recycling through their E-Cycle LA initiative.
### Special Handling Requirements
Before dropping off your monitor, make sure it's free from personal data by wiping hard drives or removing any storage media that might be inside. If the monitor has a battery, remove it first to comply with e-waste regulations. Some facilities may also require you to remove cords and cables separately for easier processing.
### Trade-in Options for Working Monitors
If your monitor is still in good working condition, consider trading it in at Best Buy or other certified refurbishers like Gazelle or [Back Market](https://ecyclingcentral.com/recyclers/back-market-refurbished). A 20-inch LCD monitor might be worth around $35-$45 depending on its brand and condition. This option not only helps the environment but also gives you a bit of money back.
*According to the Consumer Technology Association, The average US household has 21 unused electronic devices.*
### What Happens to Recycled Monitors
Recycling monitors in Los Angeles involves recovering valuable materials such as glass. Plastics, copper, aluminum, and precious metals like gold and silver. These materials are then sorted, cleaned, shredded, and smelted into raw materials for manufacturing new products. According to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle). Over 350 million pounds of electronics were recycled in California alone in 2019.
Monitors recycling in Los Angeles adheres strictly to state e-waste laws that prohibit sending hazardous components to landfills. This ensures that toxic substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium don't contaminate the environment. Monitors are processed at certified facilities where they undergo rigorous decontamination procedures before being recycled into new products.
### How Often Should You Recycle Your Monitor?
It's a good idea to recycle your monitor when you upgrade or replace it with a newer model. In Los Angeles, residents should aim to do this every 3-5 years on average, as technology evolves rapidly and older monitors may contain outdated components that aren't recyclable in the same way.
### Final Tips for Recycling Monitors
Always check if there are any local events or collection drives happening near you during Earth Day week or other environmental awareness campaigns. These often offer additional recycling opportunities with extended hours and services, making it easier to dispose of your old monitors responsibly.
## Sources
- UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024
- Consumer Technology Association
E-waste compliance in Los Angeles
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