Facts About Electronic Recycling

Many people don’t know what to do with old technology when it breaks or becomes obsolete. Too often, these devices linger in a drawer or closet until they are ultimately thrown in the trash.

A better option for the planet is recycling electronics. There are many qualified recycling centers throughout the country that can ensure your old devices are wiped, dismantled and repurposed.

1. Recycling Helps Reuse Important Components.

Electronics waste, also sometimes called e waste, is quickly becoming a huge environmental concern. Fueled by our insatiable desire for new technology, landfills are overrun with obsolete televisions, old cell phones and broken computers.

When you recycle your device, you’re giving the internal components the chance to be used again in future products. Most cell phones contain gold and silver, both of which can be successfully extracted and reused. This sounds promising, but unfortunately, only about 15% of gold from technology products is recovered worldwide. If communities and governments can put a bigger emphasis on the importance of recycling, this number can hopefully rise in the coming years.

2. Recycling Can Protect Your Data.

Environmental issues aside, tossing your electronics in the trash causes huge problems for personal security. Cell phones and computers are often filled with passwords, social security numbers, bank accounts and more. Even if the device isn’t functional, a skilled hacker can still steal information contained within these devices.

A much safer option is to have the tech fully dismantled or wiped by a recycling center. Some centers may even provide you with a certificate guaranteeing the information has been removed. If you recycle your device properly, you can rest assured that your personal data won’t be available to criminals.

3. Recycling Can Stop Hazardous Leaching.

A single TV screen can contain as much as 8 pounds of lead. Computers and cell phones also contain toxic elements such as mercury and chromium.

When left to decompose in a landfill, these chemicals can leak out of the electronics, where they often mix with groundwater. This is considered a health hazard for both humans and animals.

4. Recycling Isn’t Well Regulated.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any federal electronics recycling regulations in the United States. Some local governments have mandates about e waste, but most require the manufacturer to identify and fund responsible disposal. The only US state with a recycling fee for consumers (also called an ARF) is California.

Technology is exciting, but it can be a major environmental hazard if proper steps aren’t taken. Recycling your unwanted technology is a great way to ensure the planet is protected from the dangers of e waste.