{"id":11521,"date":"2024-04-18T22:34:31","date_gmt":"2024-04-19T05:34:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/?p=11521"},"modified":"2024-04-18T22:34:33","modified_gmt":"2024-04-19T05:34:33","slug":"how-to-recycle-electronics-properly-and-fight-e-waste","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hellotech.com\/blog\/how-to-recycle-electronics-properly-and-fight-e-waste","title":{"rendered":"How to Recycle Your Electronics & Fight E-Waste"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re like most people, you probably have old electronics stored somewhere in your house. Instead of letting them sit in some forgotten drawer, why not recycle them, donate them, or even trade them in for a little cash? If you don’t want your devices ending up in a landfill, here’s how to properly recycle your computers, smartphones, and other electronics.<\/p>\n\n\n

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What Is E-Waste?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

E-waste (or electronic waste) is a collective term for discarded electrical devices, such as old TVs, computers, cell phones, speakers, home appliances, and anything with a cord, plug, or battery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a UN report<\/a>, the US generated 7 million tons of e-waste in 2019 alone. That means the average American throws away 46 pounds of e-waste every single year, and only 15% of electronics are properly recycled.<\/p>\n\n\n

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In many states, it can be difficult to recycle electronics on a large scale. Some states don’t even have e-waste laws at all. As a result, e-waste has become “the fastest growing domestic waste stream,” according to the EPA<\/a> (Environmental Protection Agency).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Electronics Be Thrown In The Trash?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some electronic devices should never be thrown in the trash. These include computers, monitors, laptops, cell phones, and printers. Throwing these devices in the trash is not only harmful to the environment, but it could also be illegal in some jurisdictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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When electronics are not disposed of properly, harmful chemicals can leak into the ground and contaminate the groundwater. Some of these chemicals, like lead, cadmium, and chromium, pose serious health risks for anyone who comes in contact with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To solve this, a number of states have made it illegal to throw certain electronics in the trash. For example, New York City’s Guidelines for Electronic Disposal<\/a> imposes a fine on anyone who throws their televisions, computer peripherals, monitors, and other e-waste in the trash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To find out what e-waste landfill bans your state has enacted, check out this list<\/a> from the National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER). However, even if your state doesn’t have e-waste laws, it’s still a good idea to recycle your electronics anyway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Recycle Electronics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are lots of places that will recycle your electronics to take your devices and mine the metals and other reusable parts. However, it\u2019s important to find a reputable recycler to ensure they don\u2019t ship e-waste to developing countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) specifically recommends two households recycling services: GreenerGadgets<\/a> and Call2Recycle<\/a>. GreenerGadgets will show you more locations that accept more types of gadgets, including major stores like Staples and Best Buy. On the other hand, Call2Recycle is a good resource for recycling old cell phones and batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n

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For businesses, there are two accredited certification standards that exist in the US: Responsible Recycling (R2<\/a>) and the Standard for Responsible Recycling and Reuse of Electronic Equipment (e-Stewards<\/a>). These certifications ensure the services they provide, like data security and sustainability efforts, are above board.<\/p>\n\n\n

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How to Trade In Your Old Electronics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to make money off your old electronics, some big-box retailers have trade-in programs that make it easy to part with your devices. These programs sometimes offer cash or store credit for bringing in your old and damaged electronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n