Recycling Your Used Electronics

What can I do with my used electronics?

There are two options available for your old electronics: either donate the products for others to use or recycle the unusable items.

Many electronics contain small amounts of toxic materials that need to be kept out of landfills, so it's important to dispose of them properly. Unfortunately, some organizations claim to recycle electronics but do not follow through with this claim. Instead of reclaiming and properly disposing the toxic substances, these organizations either send the items to landfills or ship them to other countries for disposal.

To keep hazardous waste out of landfills or from being shipped illegally to other countries, you'll need to find a legitimate charity or recycling center. An electronics recycler should be able to provide an overview of its procedures for:

• De-manufacturing
• Disposal and waste handling
• Reuse/Resale/Donation
• Storage

To find a legitimate recycler in your area:

• Check with your local retailer about their electronics recycling program
• Contact your local municipality about recycling programs or events in your area
• Ask your state for recycling recommendations

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Washington Department of Ecology
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

Some questions you can ask your recycler to verify their legitimacy and compliance:

• Are the products dismantled in the United States? As one step to help ensure your electronics do not end up in a landfill, find a recycler with procedures that ensure products are dismantled in the United States.
• Does the electronics recycler, or its downstream vendor(s), export equipment outside the U.S? If so, can the electronics recycler supply you with information on the legality of such exports?
• Does the recycler provide a recycling guarantee or certificate?
• If the electronics recycler is geographically located in an area that is regulated by a state or local electronics recycling law, can the electronics recycler provide a description of those laws?
• Can the electronics recycler provide information on its compliance history? This type of information should include recent criminal (past five years) or civil (past three years) violations, and how they were, or are, being addressed.
• Can the electronics recycler provide the names and locations of the downstream businesses to which it sends equipment or components?