How to Recycle Electronic Waste

e-waste

Hundred of thousands of computers, monitors, televisions and other electronic items are discarded across the world yearly. E-waste is a system whereby electronic items can be properly discarded and recycled without posing a threat to the environment. When you e-recycle you are helping to protect the environment as well as create new jobs all around the world. Computer monitors, televisions and other electronic equipment should not be disposed of with regular garbage. Working TV's, monitors, computers and other consumer electronics can be sold or donated, thereby prolonging their useful life. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Electronic items like cell phones, televisions, stereos, computers and monitors and microwaves
• Notepad and pen
• Telephone

1. Gather all of your electronic equipment and separate them into two categories: those that are still working and can be sold or donated and those that are no longer functioning and needed to be recycled.

2. Contact your local public works department in your town/city to determine if they collect electronic recyclable items such as the ones you may have in your home. If not, proceed to Step 3 below.

3. Peruse your local phone book or the internet to find a convenient facility that collects specific types of electronic equipment for reuse or recycling. If there is not a local facility in your area visit the Electronic Waste Database online.

4. Visit the Electronic Waste Database online at www.erecycle.org and enter your search criteria.

5. Identify the material that you would like to recycle. Select your county (if you are located in California) or select "Outside California" and click the 'Search" button.

6. Currently, there are 11 facilities listed in the database that are outside of California. Contact the facility located closest to your hometown to make an appointment to have your electronic waste collected.

7. Following the appointment, collect the recyclable e-waste materials and place them on the curb or front porch for pick-up.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that electronic items contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury. Be careful not to drop any materials as you are preparing for them to be picked up.