How Do I Dispose of Used & Broken Electronics?

Keep toxic waste out of the environment.

Broken electronics may contain lead, cadmium and mercury, making them toxic. Keeping these items out of landfills reduces potential long-term damage to the environment. Recycling them takes time and knowledge.

Use and Reuse

If the devices are functional, look into donating them. This could be as easy as giving a friend an old computer or finding school or charity that could use them. However, age has limitations on this, as an outdated computer 10- or more years-old, will provide no valuable functionality to the charity in question.

Local Collections

Many local governments take electronics as part of an already established recycling program. King County, Washington, does not charge fees to residents. Other places in the country might levy a fee. Anybody looking to recycle electronic devices should look up their local waste authority to see what options are available.

Corporate Take-Back

Many manufacturers and retailers will take back used electronics. Programs differ from company to company. Of nationwide retailers, as of September, 2010, both Best Buy and Staples offer recycling services for a fee. However, many retailers try to make up for the fee in some way. Best Buy, for example, charges $10 but offers a merchandise discount coupon in return. Best Buy will take its own products back free of charge.

References

• NYC Department of Sanitation: Frequently Asked Questions About Electronics
• Wisconisn Department of Natural Resources: Computers, TVs and Other Electronics
• King County: Recycle Your Unwanted Electronics
• Electronics TakeBack Coalition: How to Recycle Your Electronics

Resources

• Oberlin College Resource Conservation Team: Why Recycle?