How

THE BASICS on Electronics Reuse and Recycling:

Electronics, such as video game systems, digital cameras, computers, mp3 players, DVD players, televisions, and cell phones are quickly becoming the most popular type of new purchase, whether it be as a gift for someone else or as a replacement for an older version of a similar product. In fact, electronics typically account for approximately 25% of gift sales during the holiday season. Unfortunately, a good majority of old electronics that are being replaced by newer versions are ending up in landfills- where pollutants can seep into groundwater, soil, and air- posing a serious threat to the environment and public health. Learn more here about electronic waste and recycling around the holidays.

Discarded electronic equipment is one of the fastest growing waste streams in the industrialized world, and is also one of the largest known sources of heavy metals and organic pollutants in the waste stream. Take action to help implement phase-outs of hazardous chemicals and the development of effective collection, reuse, and recycling systems.

For more information, check out our Educational Resources Page, which links to articles, videos, websites, and recommended books and journals on reuse and recycling topics.

Why recycle electronics?
What electronics can I recycle?
Where can I recycle my electronics?
Tips for Buying Electronic Products
Tips for Donating or Recycling Computers

Why recycle electronics:

The benefits of reusing and recycling electronics are numerous. Reuse is a key strategy in decreasing the amount of waste entering landfills and incinerators, in turn decreasing air, land, and water pollution. Economically, Pennsylvania businesses benefit from servicing and selling used goods, while consumers benefit from the savings gained by not having to purchase new items and by receiving money for their used goods. In addition, reuse and recycling reduce the health hazards caused by the manufacture and destruction of electronic materials.

What electronics can I recycle?

Depending on the facility, equipment such as computers, printers, some print cartridges, television, stereo, cameras, batteries, and cell phones are frequently recyclable. When you donate, sell, or recycle your electronics equipment, it is often refurbished and resold if in working condition, or its parts are recycled if it is an end-of-life product, which helps diminish e-waste and toxic chemicals from entering landfills and our environment. Computers are the main contributor to e-waste, because some of their components are toxic, containing harmful elements such as lead, mercury, and cadmium.

Where can I recycle my used electronics?

There are increasingly more options for electronics recycling, both locally and nationally.

Pennsylvania Area-Specific Recycling
National Recycling, Resale, and Donation Programs
Industry Take Back Programs

HELPFUL TIPS!

Things to know before you donate or recycle your computer:

1. Find out if the recycler has been recommended by the EPA or another environmental organization because of its environmentally safe management. As of yet there is no official environmental certification for electronics recycling, but many companies are involved in stewardship programs that guarantee their environmentally-safe handling and disposal procedures. Also, check to see if they have a no-landfill policy and that they don’t ship overseas.

2. Don’t forget to remove or destroy personal data from your computer before donating or recycling. If you have sensitive information on your computer, deleting your files may not be enough. There are programs such as File Shredder and Eraser 5.1 that can help overwrite existing data. If you are recycling an end of life computer, you may want to recycle it at a location that offers data destruction services or send your hard drive directly to a data destruction facility.

3. Remember to bring in all peripherals such as keyboard, mouse, and speakers when donating your computer! Make sure your equipment is reusable!

Planning to purchase an electronic product? Things to think about before you buy:

1. Does the manufacturer offer a take back program for recycling old electronics? Find out what services they offer and if there are any restrictions. For example, is it free to recycle your computer? Can you recycle any computer or only one made by the manufacturer? Is it easy to send back for recycling?

2. Does the manufacturer use an eco-friendly design? Are they working towards more environmentally sound design and packaging?How energy efficient is the product compared to others on the market? Look up the company's website and do some research on their policies or check out our industry take back programs page.

3. Is there a warranty for repairs? What do retailers (offering their own additional service warranty) do with the returned or end-of-life products?