Disposing of an old monitor in New York City? 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*
New York City residents disposing of an old Monitors can choose between retailer trade-in, council bulky-waste collection, and dedicated [e-waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste) recyclers. Compare the options below.
*Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on 01 April 2026*
## Where Can Residents Recycle Monitors in New York City?
Residents can recycle monitors at Best Buy, Staples, Goodwill locations across New York City. Additionally, the city's Department of Sanitation offers designated [e-waste](https://ecyclingcentral.com/glossary/e-waste) collection events throughout the year.
*According to the European Parliament, less than 1% of [rare earth elements](https://ecyclingcentral.com/guides/rare-earth-elements-in-electronics) in e-waste are currently recycled.*
### Free Drop-off Points for Monitors in New York City
For free drop-offs, residents should visit local Best Buy and Staples stores which accept monitors without charge. They can also take them to Goodwill donation centres across the city. All these locations provide recycling bins specifically designed for e-waste like monitors.
### Special Handling Requirements for Monitors
Before dropping off a monitor at any location in New York City, it's important to wipe all personal data from the device. This ensures your information remains private and secure. remove batteries if possible since they can be hazardous during transportation and recycling processes.
### Trade-in Options for Working Monitors
Working monitors can often be traded in for cash or store credit at Best Buy. The value of a working monitor depends on its brand, model, and condition. For example, an HP Pavilion 24-inch LED monitor might fetch around $30 to $50 depending on the location.
*According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 25 US states plus Washington DC have enacted e-waste recycling laws.*
### What Happens to Recycled Monitors
Once monitors are collected from drop-off points, they undergo rigorous disassembly processes at recycling facilities like Sims Recycling Solutions in New York City. These facilities recover valuable materials such as glass, plastics, and metals. The recovered components then get reused in manufacturing new products or sold for further processing.
## Monitors Recycling in New York City
Monitors recycling in New York City is regulated by the state's e-waste laws, which mandate responsible disposal methods to prevent environmental contamination. In 2019, over 67 million pounds of electronics were recycled through statewide programs, demonstrating a significant commitment to sustainability.
Residents should take advantage of local drop-off points and trade-in options to responsibly recycle their monitors and support the city's recycling initiatives. By doing so, they help recover valuable materials and reduce landfill waste, contributing positively to environmental conservation efforts in New York City.
## Sources
- European Parliament
- National Conference of State Legislatures
Compliance and law: e-waste in New York City
E-waste handling is not unregulated. In US the following statutes apply — treat them as the minimum legal floor.
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