Disposal of Monitors and TVs: What the Law Requires in 2025

The disposal of monitors and TVs is regulated by specific rules that come into force in 2025, requiring compliance with the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12.305/2010) and the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR). This article details the legal obligations for the correct handling of this electrical and electronic equipment, with a view to sustainability and environmental safety.

Legislation Applicable to the Disposal of Monitors and TVs

The main legislation regulating the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment in Brazil is Law No. 12.305 of August 2, 2010, which establishes the National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS). This law establishes principles, objectives and instruments for the integrated management and management of solid waste, including that from electrical and electronic products.

Decree No. 10.936/2022 updates the PNRS regulations and highlights the mandatory implementation of the National Solid Waste Management Information System (SINIR), as provided for in sinir.gov.br. The purpose of this system is to monitor, control and evaluate the generation, collection, transportation, treatment and final disposal of waste.

Guidelines for Responsible and Safe Disposal

The disposal of monitors and TVs must comply with strict criteria due to the presence of components that can cause environmental and health damage, such as lead in TV tubes and chemical elements present in liquid crystal displays (LCD). Therefore, the equipment must be taken to authorized collection points for trained recyclers.

To ensure that the waste is followed up properly, it is important to make the schedule for e-waste collection by companies authorized to operate in accordance with current regulations.

Responsibilities of Equipment Owners and Processors

According to the PNRS, the owners of monitors and TVs (whether individuals or companies) have a shared responsibility for the correct disposal of waste, including reverse logistics, which obliges manufacturers, importers and retailers to organize collection and forwarding for recycling.

The disposal process must include ensuring the integrity of stored data, especially devices with memory, such as HDDs found in Smart TVs. For this, it is recommended to use services specialized in secure media disposal, guaranteeing the protection of information.

Environmental Impacts and the Importance of Compliance

The improper disposal of monitors and TVs can cause contamination of soil and water resources, due to the leaching of heavy metals and toxic substances. The strict control provided for by legislation reduces this risk, promoting the recovery of valuable materials and reducing the volume destined for landfills.

State environmental agencies, such as CETESB (cetesb.sp.gov.br), reinforce the need to comply with regulations in order to mitigate impacts and encourage sustainable practices.

Penalties in the event of irregularities

Failure to comply with legal requirements can lead to fines and administrative sanctions, as provided for in article 56 of Law 12.305/2010, as well as civil and criminal liability. Enforcement is carried out by federal, state and municipal environmental agencies with the power to impose fines.

Conclusion

In 2025, the disposal of monitors and TVs must be carried out in strict compliance with the PNRS and SINIR, through authorized collection points and processes that guarantee environmental safety and the protection of stored data. Scheduling in the appropriate collection system and using services for the safe disposal of media are essential components in meeting the legal requirements in force.