How do you legally dispose of a tv or computer monitor?

I notice that the garbage collector's will not take them. Is it true one would have to contact their town's dept. of public works to pick it up for a fee?

The laws differ from state to state as the other answers have already mentioned. Goodwill will take them as well. But, check with your school system---where I live there is a small business that takes old puters and refurbishes them to donate to local schools. Contact a recycling center or landfill, they will direct you. And yes, some areas you must pay public works or their likeness to pick up!! Is there an electronics or vocational school nearby that might be able to use them for training purposes?? Get out the yellow pages of the phone book and let those fingers do the walking!!
Good luck!

depends on where you live. where we live, for bulk pick up we have to call and let them know we have big item, or we can go to the local landfill. there they had a dumpster for each item. one for tv's and one for computers. I dont know how much you would have to pay but it probably is not much and at least you would know it was diposed of properly.

Laws vary by jurisdiction. Sometimes local governments or computers stores will sponsor events to take them. Sometimes you can get someone to take them for a fee. You should start by calling a local garbage dump or refuse company for advise.

If you live in California, you cannot simply throw them away. Old monitors, computers, anything with a plug is considered "E-waste" and must be taken to a State approved e-waste disposal facility. One of those facilities here in California is Goodwill.