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Where to Recycle Electronics to Minimize the Impact of E-Waste
Learn what e-waste is, why it's harmful and how to minimize its impact on the environment and your community by following proper recycling guidelines.Byline: BTB Editor
April 7, 2025 / Time to read: 3 minutesWhile electronic devices make daily life easier, figuring out what to do with your old tech when it’s time for an upgrade can be a confusing endeavor.
And we’re faced with this problem frequently, considering many electronics are designed with limited lifespans (a practice called
This article explains what e-waste is, why it’s harmful and how to minimize its impact on the environment and your community.
What Is E-Waste?
Here are some common examples of e-waste:
- Desktop or laptop computers
- Tablets and e-readers
- TVs and computer monitors
- Cell phones, smartphones, cordless phones and office phones
- Printers, scanners and fax machines
- CD/DVD/Blu-ray players
- Toys that light up or make noise
- “Singing” greeting cards
- Wearable devices (like smartwatches and fitness trackers)
- Home security cameras
- Video game consoles
- And almost anything else with a battery or cord
According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
Hazards of E-Waste
Beyond taking up unnecessary landfill space, improper e-waste disposal can be extremely dangerous for public and environmental health and safety.
While e-waste makes up only 2 to 5% of the total waste stream,
Throwing electronics away without following the right guidelines can pose other safety risks, as well. Thousands of preventable fires are caused each year by improper disposal of battery-powered electronics, threatening fire professionals, waste-industry workers and facilities. According to a 2024 report from the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and Resource Recycling Systems (RRS), more than
Some of the most catastrophic fires can be traced back to
Benefits of Recycling E-Waste
Recycling old electronics recovers reusable and valuable materials including:
- Precious metals:
- Examples: gold, silver, platinum and copper
- Uses: circuit boards, switches and connectors
- Rare earth elements (REEs):
- Examples: neodymium, dysprosium, lanthanum, cerium and terbium
- Uses: hard drives, motors, lighting and batteries
- Base metals:
- Examples: copper, aluminum, iron and nickel
- Uses: wires, circuit boards, casings and motors
- Plastics:
- Examples: polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene
- Uses: batteries, coatings, keypads, cases and covers
Plus, recycling e-waste uses less energy than mining or manufacturing new materials. Additionally, many
Where to Recycle E-Waste
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the e-waste problem, some best practices can help minimize its impact on the environment.
These
Donation Centers
Many local charities will accept working devices. Two national programs include:
Cell Phones for Soldiers , which provides free airtime minutes to military members and veterans- The
National Domestic Violence Hotline , which assists victims and survivors of domestic violence with the revenue generated from the sale of refurbished electronics like phones, tablets and video game systems
Mail-Back Recycling
Try Republic Services’ simple e-waste
- Computers
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Laptops
- Tablets
- TVs
- Printers
- Cell phones
- LCD screens
- Circuit boards
- Home, office and personal electronics
Drop-off Centers and Collection Events
Many local recycling and waste facilities and electronics retailers collect e-waste throughout the year, especially in the spring and fall. Search
Proper Electronic Waste Recycling Matters
Getting new technology is fun and exciting — and you can double that feel-good mood by disposing of your e-waste in a safe, responsible way.
When it’s time to upgrade devices, remember that you don’t have to buy brand new. Many large marketplaces offer certified repaired, returned and refurbished versions of popular items, including phones, tablets, computers, wearable tech, gaming accessories and more.
To explore other ways to help reduce e-waste and minimize the environmental effects of upgrading your tech, check out Republic Services’
