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Electronics

Benefits of Electronics Recycling
Locations Accepting Used Electronics
Methods of Recycling Used Electronics
Concerns About Identity Theft
Tips for Managing Rechargeable Batteries
Opportunities to Donate Cell Phones

Consumer electronics include computers and peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners, ZIP drives, keyboards), phones, cameras, televisions, fax machines, portable gaming devices, video equipment, audio equipment, and similar items. Many of these products contain lead, mercury, beryllium and cadmium. If improperly disposed of, these contaminants may be released into the environment. Businesses are legally responsible for managing all toxic materials – INCLUDING electronic equipment and rechargeable batteries – that are used and/or stored on site. Business owners and managers should visit the Know Toxics web site for more information.

Benefits of Electronics Recycling

Electronic products are made from valuable resources, such as precious and other metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Reusing and recycling these materials from used electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution caused by manufacturing new products.

Locations for Recycling Used Electronics

• Residents may take used computers and televisions to the county’s Electric Sunday events.
• The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of donation and recycling locations for electronics. It includes details about local and national drop-off, take-back and mail-in programs. Items accepted vary and range from computers and DVD players to ink-jet cartridges and cell phones.

Methods of Recycling Used Electronics

• Newer computer systems are refurbished or resold.
• Some old computer monitors are able to be reconstructed as television sets and be resold.
• Some electronics are disassembled and the parts are sold.
• Hazardous components – such as leaded glass in CRT computer monitors or TVs – are removed and sent for proper recovery and recycling in a permitted hazardous waste facility.
• Some electronics are disassembled, sorted by material (metals, plastics, glass, etc.) and sold on the recyclables market.

Concerns About Identity Theft

In order to protect yourself from identify theft, it is recommended that you delete any personal or sensitive information from your electronic device before recycling it. Many organizations that recycle and/or refurbish old computers have strict security protocols associated with the processing of these materials. Be sure to ask the recycler you chose about their security standards.

Tips for Managing Rechargeable Batteries

Don’t forget that rechargeable batteries are recyclable. Residents can take them to an Electric Sunday event. Small rechargeable batteries and cell phones are also accepted at various government drop-off locations.

Opportunities to Donate Cell Phones

• The Fairfax County Police Department sponsors a program called “Call to Protect.” Funds raised by the sale of used cell phones provide grants to domestic violence victims. Collection boxes are available at every police station.
• The Fairfax County Commission for Women collects used cell phones, chargers and batteries to help victims of domestic violence.
• Cell Phones for Soldiers works to turn old cell phones into minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops. Call 800-426-1031, TTY 711 for more information.

See Also:  

• Business Management of Rechargeable Batteries and Electronics
• The Environmental Protection Agency's E-cycling Information