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Find a new home for your electronic device. Generally, if the device is in working condition, someone else may be able to use it. Here are some resources:
Options for donating:
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• Thrift stores and charities. Check with your local thrift stores and charities to find out whether they accept the type and condition of item you plan to give away.
• Giveaway sites. You can list your electronic device on sites such as freecycle where it will be posted online in your community and possibly picked up a neighbor who wants it.
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Options for selling:
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• If the device isn't too old and is still in working condition (or repair is an option), another user might buy it through an ad in your local paper or an online service like Craig's list or an auction site like eBay.
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Don't donate or sell your identity! If your device stores personal information, make sure you cancel any existing service and rid the device of all personally identifiable information that could be used for identity theft.
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If you can't donate your old electronic device, or if it's broken beyond repair, recycle it. Electronic devices should be recycled to keep the toxins they contain out of landfills. However, not all the electronic equipment returned for recycling ends up at an appropriately managed facility. (To learn more about this issue, including why it's important to keep electronics out of landfills, visit our section on What you need to know). Here are some tips on choosing a responsible recycler, as well as information on where to recycle rechargeable batteries.
Electronics recycling resources
Rechargeable battery recycling resources
Don't recycle your identity!
To find a responsible electronics recycler:
1. Consider a recycler that has signed this pledge. A coalition of environmental groups has recently established a voluntary program known as the Electronics Recycler's Pledge of True Stewardship. The recyclers agree not to export hazardous electronic components to developing countries, not to dispose of equipment in municipal landfills or incinerators not equipped to handle it, and not to use prison labor, among other things. The program is relatively new, but the number of companies that have signed on is growing. For a searchable map of recyclers that have signed the pledge, click here.
2. Otherwise, find a recycler using the list of resources below, and ask them these questions.
The following questions and acceptable sample answers were adapted from the Basel Action Network (BAN) an environmental advocacy group.
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Q1. Which state or local electronics disposal laws do you comply with? [Acceptable answer would be that they comply with state and local electronics disposal laws. To find out about E-waste legislation in your area, visit the US Environmental Protection Agency's e-cycling map (scroll down to see state listings)].
Q2. Do you send any electronic waste overseas? If so, where? [Acceptable answer would be that they send it to developed countries including those in the European Union, and to facilities with environmental management systems in place.]
Q3. Where do you send your hazardous waste? [Acceptable answer would be that they send it to a facility that specializes in hazardous waste.]
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Electronic device recycling resources:
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• Local community programs. Some municipalities offer recycling programs that accept electronic waste. To find out whether a program exists in your community, you can contact your local waste management agency, or consult the searchable map on the Electronic Industry Alliance Web site.
• Manufacturer programs. Check to see if the company you buy your next electronic device from will recycle your old one. For example, Apple offers a free iPod recycling program at its retail store locations.
• Retailer programs. Some retailers sponsor limited-time and on-going in-store collection events. Participating retailers include Best Buy and Staples.
• Consider a private recycling firm. You can also take your electronic waste directly to a private recycling company. You can find lists of such companies on the Electronic Industries Alliance Web site (click on your state, then on find reuse and recycle options), as well as at Earth 911. Be sure to contact the recycler, or check for details on its Web site, to see if it accepts the type of item you want to recycle.
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Recycling old batteries. Rechargeable batteries should be recycled to keep the heavy metals they contain out of landfills. The industry-funded Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation has more than 30,000 locations where you can drop off batteries for recycling. Those include many major retailers, including Best Buy, Home Depot, and Staples, among others.
Don't recycle your identity! If your device stores personal information, make sure you cancel any existing service and rid the device of all personally identifiable information that could be used for identity theft.
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Electronic products are a serious solid-waste problem. Electronic equipment has been characterized as a fast growing category of municipal solid waste. Experts predict consumers will be replacing equipment more often in the future, leading to greater waste.
Electronic equipment contains toxic materials:
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• Printed circuit boards in computers, music players, and other devices contain toxic metals such as chromium, nickel, and zinc.
• Batteries may contain nickel and cadium.
• Relays, switches, and liquid crystal displays (LCDs) may contain mercury.
• Plastics used in many electronics also contain flame retardants that are toxic and persist in the environment.
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Not all the electronic equipment returned for recycling ends up at an appropriately managed facility. The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, an environmental advocacy group, has found that the majority of equipment is diverted to uncontrolled landfills or to unsafe recycling operations in developing countries. As a result, the local environment in those areas can become contaminated, and local residents, in an effort to reclaim valuable metal components, may be exposed to hazardous materials.
A coalition of environmental groups has recently established a voluntary program known as the Electronics Recycler's Pledge of True Stewardship. The recyclers agree not to export hazardous electronic components to developing countries, not to dispose of equipment in municipal landfills or incinerators unequipped to handle it, and not to use prison labor, among other things. The program is new, but the number of companies that have signed on is growing. Click here to see a list of recyclers that have signed the pledge.
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There are currently no federal regulations that require electronics recycling. However, there are manufacturer, retailer, and state and local government initiatives underway. While government initiatives mainly apply to computers, computer monitors, televisions and cell phones, some initiatives also encompass other types of electronic devices. For resources on finding out the types of electronic devices accepted for recycling through public and private recycling programs, visit our Recycling section.
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