How do companies recycle electronics?

How is it recycled? Waste electrical and electronic equipment are collected at council recycling centres and at some retailers. It is then taken to a reprocessing plant where they are shredded into small pieces.

How is electronic waste recycled?

Step 1: Collecting and Transporting. This is the first stage of recycling e-waste. Here, recyclers place take-back booths or collection bins in specific places. When these bins get filled, the recyclers then transport the e-wastes to recycling facilities and plants.

How are computers disposed of?

Today, 15\% of electronic devices and equipment are recycled in the United States. Most electronic waste is sent to landfills or incinerated, which releases materials such as lead, mercury, or cadmium into the soil, groundwater, and atmosphere, thus having a negative impact on the environment.

Why is it important to recycle computer equipment?

Also known as e-waste, discarded computer equipment comprises monitors, printers, hard drives and circuit boards. Such items should on no account be thrown out with your household rubbish because they contain toxic substances, and are effectively hazardous waste.

Why is electronics recycling not as popular as other types of recycling?

Often, the materials used in electronics are the biggest challenge for recycling. While manufacturers will tell us that their products are “completely” recyclable, the toxic materials in these products actually make it impossible to recycle them back into electronic products.

What happens to all the old computers tablets and smartphones?

Electronic devices that have become obsolete continue to fill up landfills throughout the world. About 30 million computers are disposed of in the US alone every year, while Europe discards about 100 million phones with fewer than 20\% of them being properly recycled while the rest goes to landfills and incinerators.

How do you dispose of electronics?

In California, it is illegal to put electronic equipment in the trash. Many electronic devices contain toxic chemicals that can leak from the landfill and contaminate groundwater and soil. Electronics can be recycled at your local household hazardous waste drop-off facility for free, or at participating stores.

What is one of the main benefits of recycling your old electronic devices and why?

Recycling old unwanted electricals uses less energy and creates less waste than making new products.

Where can I Recycle my old computer equipment?

Some hardware suppliers, such as Dell and Apple, have programs in place for taking back old equipment. Most towns and cities have drop-off locations for computer recycling, and many computer retailers, such as Staples, offer recycling or trade-in services.

Why is it important to recycle electronics safely?

Electronics donation and recycling is a great way to help conserve resources and natural materials. It is important to make sure you are donating and/or recycling electronics safely and correctly.

Is useus EPA involved in electronics donation and recycling?

US EPA does not endorse any of these entities nor their services. Electronics donation and recycling is a great way to help conserve resources and natural materials. It is important to make sure you are donating and/or recycling electronics safely and correctly.

Where can I donate or recycle electronics?

Manufacturers and retailers offer several options to donate or recycle electronics. Search below to find programs developed by Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Electronics Challenge participants. If you are an original equipment manufacturer or retailer, learn how to join the SMM Electronics Challenge.