If you have an old computer, printer, VHS player, and TV to dispose of, what should you do with them? Should you throw them in with your trash?

According to TheRoundup, only 15% of the electronics discarded every year are recycled in the US and 20% globally. It’s estimated that 8% of electronics are brought to a landfill, while other electronics are stored in case backups are needed.

The question a lot of people face is, how do we go about recycling electronics?

Most waste and recycling curbside services do not offer electronic recycling services. Some towns provide convenient electronic recycling programs for curbside pickup, but most still need to.

Where Can You Recycle Electronics?

For consumers:

You can use a recycling database like Earth911 to get an idea on where to drop off more then electronics. Typically, Electronic Recyclers and Transfer Stations will accept drop offs for electronic recycling. Many retails stores such as Best Buy, Staples, and Home Depot also accept drop offs for electronics as well although they may be a bit more limited in what they can accept.

In addition to drop off sites many electronic recycling companies have collection events where you can drop off electronics for a charge but proceeds help fund the non-profit or club holding the event.

Factors to consider:

  • Is your electronic equipment large?
  • Does your device contain data?
  • Do you intend to recycle for reuse?

Larger, Hard To Move Electronics

For larger hard to move electronics inside your home or residence Junk Removal companies may be the best option. Although they will have to charge this is a great solution for households that do not have the means to drop off their electronics. In addition to junk removal companies, some states have energy efficient incentive programs such as Mass Save in Massachusetts that will credit you for recycling an old refrigerator for instance.

Does Your Device Contain Data?

There are some precautions you can use at home to help protect your data such as wiping and fully resetting devices such as cell phones and tablets. Laptops and Desktop computers can sometimes be a little more complex to erase for the average consumer. Electronic Recycler’s like us at Data Recycling of New England have set procedures in place to keep data protected including wiping or shredding media at location when necessary.

Recycling for Reuse

The best method of recycling is to reuse electronics and extend their life. Not all companies prioritize this form of recycling. In addition to choosing the right place to recycle you also need to do your part to remove any locks or passwords. Organizations need to make sure that products are not managed and provisioned in their system through apple business manager, google, and other methods of device management. Locked and managed devices can prevent devices from being used again.

For businesses, schools, hospitals and other organizations working with an electronic recycler is primarily the best option.

Most electronic recyclers offer pickups for convenience and offer a larger range of electronics they can accept versus other drop off options. In addition, some companies like Data Recycling of New England offer On-site hard drive shredding which is convenient as well as secure.

There are several ways to recycle your electronics, most are of little to no cost. Please do your part and keep your electronics out of a landfill. In addition, be sure to erase or wipe any data or make sure it is going somewhere where your information will be secure.