Old computer monitors may seem useless when they break down or become obsolete. However, they can serve several different purposes. Old computer monitors can be used for a whole range of things, from being set up as TVs in the children’s bedrooms to being used as security cameras.
Have you ever thrown away an old computer monitor? Something goes off in your head and reminds you that there are kids, families, and charities around the world who would benefit from these things.
Old CRT (cathode ray tube) Monitors
If you have one of those old CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors like I am talking about, make sure it has a power cord! It can seriously shock someone. It’s hazardous and not something to mess with at all.
So What do we do with them?
There must be an organization within walking distance or a short drive from where you live that needs them! You can either post on social media that you have a computer monitor to give away, and someone will contact you and go around and ask people who run local youth centers, daycares, schools, etc. I’m sure they would gladly take one if they can use it.
If they don’t need it now but would like to put it away for the future as a backup or as something they can use as their kids grow up, tell them this is what you are going to do with your old monitor:
- Take out all of the inner parts, including the power supply (power cord)
- Remove all of the buttons to detach the control panel
- Take out all of the screws to take apart the frame
Monitors Parts that can be Recycled
Sometimes, parts inside can be recycled, such as capacitors, circuit boards, etc. It is why it’s essential to have them taken apart to be recycled. Be aware that these things can get hot! So don’t just touch it without any protective gear on because you could seriously injure yourself or someone else.
If you’re not comfortable with removing them yourself or if there are too many for you to do by yourself, I recommend taking them to a recycling center or recycling company near you. It would probably cost less than it to someone who will transport it for you. It’s also safer because they are supposed to recycle them properly.
Old Frames
Now, this doesn’t mean that you can throw away the frame if someone else takes them apart for you! The frame has holes in it where screws were put into it before so take those out with a screwdriver, then take apart all of the pieces of metal used to attach around the frame.
Be sure that the monitor is unplugged before you do this! You don’t want to get shocked. The monitor could also be discharged, so I recommend waiting a day or so after turning it off for some time before doing anything with it.
Ideas on what to do with the old frames:
- If they have wires coming out of them already, secure those bits down first, then just put the computer monitor back together again and use it as a picture frame.
- You can even take out the circuit board that’s inside if you’d like but make sure there aren’t any sharp edges left over on any of the wire pieces sticking out because children could easily injure themselves on those.
- Hang them somewhere in your school, business, or home as decor! Who doesn’t want a piece of old technology hanging up?
Conclusion
This blog is about what you can do with your old computer monitors when you no longer use them. We hope that you have found this information helpful and get a few ideas on what you can do with your old computer monitors. I hope this will be helpful to you guys! Let me know if you have any questions about it by leaving a comment below. Thanks for reading!
