Image: Wikimedia Commons.
LCDs (liquid crystal displays) are a common display type used for computer monitors, laptops, televisions, telephones, calculators, and watches.
Physically, an LCD consist of special plastics and glass with the actual liquid crystal chemical sandwiched in between. The assembly is glued together or held together with metal edging.
The LCD may have a backlight, typically a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) or light emitting diodes (LEDs). The newer LCD screens use LEDs. CCFLs contain a small amount of mercury, a heavy metal which is ecotoxic.
Further information
- LCDs at Wikipedia
This article analyses the current and future end-of-life management of electronic displays (flat screen televisions and monitors), and identifies and discusses possible ecodesign recommendations to improve it.
How LCD panels are manufactured.
Potential and Recycling Strategies for LCD Panels from WEEE | MDPI2017
Indium is one of the strategically important materials, which have been characterized as critical by various industrialized countries. Despite its high relevance, only low recycling rates are realized. Its main application is in indium tin oxide (ITO), which is used in the production of liquid crystal displays (LCD). However, recovery strategies for indium from LCDs are not yet being implemented in recycling practices.
ITRI has developed the LCD Waste Recycling System to recycle scrap LCDs, successfully separating the liquid crystal, indium, and glass, readying them for reuse.
A partnership of researchers, recyclers and engineers have united their expertise to solve what they describe as Europe’s ‘LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) stockpiling issue’.