Guide to recycling electronics

Why most electronics need to be recycled

The growing problem with discarded electronic items has made it to the main stage. It has its own category now: E-waste. Any discarded electronic item, from TVs to stereos to cell phones to computers, is considered to be e-waste. Why has e-waste become so important – and dangerous? The answer is simple. Non-recycled electronics are harmful to our environment.

They create toxins and carcinogens which find their way into the solid waste systems around the globe. These substances are hazardous to both humans and the environment. One of these dangerous elements commonly found is the dreaded mercury.

Even modest amounts of this and other toxins can contaminate an entire community soil or water supply. Because many electronic components are made of plastic, these discarded items continue to fatally choke our landfills, too.

Electronics recycling has become more than desirable. The conscious decision to recycle electronics is now an ethical requirement. Recyclers are pleased to accept electronics, too.

For example, along with rescuing valuable precious metals, like gold and copper, from deceased computers, experts claim that up to 99% of all material in electronic items can successfully be recycled. As a result, recyclers profit from these items, while also making a positive effect on our environment.

People should also determine the usability of their electronic items before discarding or recycling. If you've replaced your former cell phone with the next generation model, before discarding it, decide if your previously best phone friend could be used by another in need. Should your cell phone still work perfectly, consider donating it to an organization that distributes used instruments to those without a functioning phone.

If electronic items are non-working, recycle them. Do not discard them into your local landfill. Don't allow these items to pollute your local environment when they can be reclaimed with effective electronics recycling.

A final important note: "Abandonment of electronic waste constitutes illegal disposal of hazardous waste and can be prosecuted." So sayeth the final regulations of the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC), which became effective in February 2009 in the Electronic Waste Recycling Act.

Types of electronics that should be recycled

Independent and governmental studies have targeted different types of electronics to determine which should be classified as hazardous waste if discarded. Most studies have identified at least the following items that are hazardous and should be part of electronics recycling.

• All cathode ray tube (CRT) devices from TVs to computer monitors.
• All Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) flat-screen desktop monitors.
• All laptop and notebook computers with LCD display screens.
• All LCD TVs of every size.
• All Plasma Display TVs.
• All portable DVD players with LCD screens.

Other electronics also have toxic or hazardous properties and should be recycled, even if recycling is not mandated. Even those without concentrations of lead or mercury, still typically have many plastic components. Therefore, even those products not known for leeching natural or synthetic toxins into the ground or water should be part of your recycle electronics program.

Other solutions taken by electronics retailers and non-profits

Some large scale retailers, like Radio Shack and Best Buy, have wisely concluded that, since their prime products are electronics, taking a pro-active approach to the e-waste problem is the best course of action. Non-profit concerned organizations also offer education, information, and electronics recycling options.

For example, Dell Computer has been an effective force in recycle electronics initiatives. They sponsor RECONNECT, a program in at least six states that, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, provides a link to electronics recycling.

The AT&T reuse and recycle program gives you the option to bring cell phones, PDAs, and other electronics (regardless of manufacturer) to company-owned or authorized dealer retailers in your area.

You can drop off cell phones, ink-jet cartridges, and rechargeable batteries at most U.S. Best Buy stores with electronics recycling kiosks just inside the front door. Many often have weekend electronics recycling celebrations to inspire the return and recycle of electronics.

Even eBay is taking part. Their Rethink Initiative attempts to match those with discardable electronics find new users or provide good information on how to safely recycle their items.

Other major manufacturers, like LG, HP, Motorola, and Intel, offer their own programs of information or direct help for people to recycle electronics effectively, cheaply, and safely. All of these private and government entities are making major efforts to reduce e-waste, toxins, and hazardous materials.