Television/Computer Monitor Recycling

As of July 1, 2006, electronic products containing a cathode ray tube, such as TVs and computer monitors, may not be placed in the garbage. TVs and computer monitors contain two to eight pounds of lead and, if disposed of improperly, can harm the environment.

GreenGuardian.com, sponsored by the metro region's Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board (SWMCB) to help citizens living in the six-county Twin Cities metro area to reduce the waste stream and protect the environmental health, lists several options for recycling electronics, including:

Take-Back Programs: Some manufacturers and retailers will take back your old electronics for recycling.
Garbage Haulers: Some haulers pick up electronics for recycling.
Recycling Companies: You can drop off your old electronics for recycling.
Government Recycling Programs: Your city, county, or neighborhood may pick up electronics or offer drop-off sites.

Hennepin County takes electronics free of charge, year-round, from residents at drop-off facilities in Brooklyn Park and Bloomington.

Electronics accepted include TVs, computers (CPUs, monitors, laptops), computer peripherals (keyboards, printers, etc), VCRs, DVD players, stereos, and more. Some quantity limits apply. These items are accepted from households only. Electronics from businesses are not accepted at the facilities.

For more information on Hennepin County’s Drop-off Facilities and how to recycle electronics, call 612-348-3777 or go to www.hennepin.us (click on "Environment"). Businesses should contact the Hennepin County Environmentalist at 612-348-3563.