The Dos and Don’ts of Electronics Recycling

Electronics are found in every part of people’s lives. Households are filled with phones, TVs, computers, tablets, cameras, office equipment, and other technology and related accessories. Consumers move on to the newest models as soon as they come out. What happens to the old ones? Perhaps they are sold or given away, but usually they are dumped. Electronics contain hazardous elements such as mercury and lead, so if they are not disposed of correctly, they can poison ground water and soil. Electronics will not decompose either, permanently taking up landfill space. A better option many people are not aware of is to recycle them, in accordance with these dos and don’ts:

Do’s
• Do consider reselling or donating to charity if the device is newer and still in working condition.
• Do erase any personal data on hard drives before recycling.
• Do call recycling centers to see if they take non-commercial loads. If not, see if the product manufacturers take them back to be refurbished or recycled.

Don’ts
• Don’t leave electronics on the curb with other recyclables. Not all recycling companies handle e-waste, and those that do require special pick up or drop off.
• Don’t assume a recycling center is environmentally responsible. Check to see if they are certified (such as R2 or e-Steward) to ensure they process the materials safely and legally.
• Don’t give up and throw everything in the trash. When unsure of how to discard certain items, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

For more information on electronics recycling in Santa Clara, visit this website.