Where to Recycle Electronics
Want to know where to recycle electronics (working and non-working)? We’ve got some handy resources for you.
Electronic waste (e-waste) is the term used to describe discarded electrical or electronic devices and their components. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2019, an increase of 9.2 metric tons since 2014.
American homes contains millions of electronics that end up in landfills each year. In fact, only 17.4% of the e-waste generated in 2019 was formally collected and recycled, meaning that 44.3 metric tons of e-waste was either dumped, burned, or traded illegally. The value of the raw materials present in e-waste was estimated at $57 billion in 2019, of which $10 billion was lost due to improper recycling practices.
E-waste contains hazardous substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These substances pose serious risks to human health and the environment when they are not properly managed. E-waste also contains valuable metals such as gold, silver, copper, platinum, and palladium, which can be recovered and reused through appropriate recycling processes.
Where to Recycle Working Electronics
Here are some organizations that accept donations of old electronic appliances.
AMVETS National Service Foundation Thrift Stores supports veterans and their families through various programs and services. The nonprofit organization accepts electronics, appliances, clothing, furniture, books, and more. You can schedule a pickup from their website.
The Salvation Army Thrift Stores accepts working electronics such as TVs, laptops, tablets, and phones.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore accepts working electronics and appliances for resale or donation to low-income families.
Where to Recycle Working and Non-Working Electronics
Here are some organizations that accept donations of both working and non-working electronic appliances.
Best Buy accepts most electronics and appliances for recycling or trade-in. Note: You can recycle up to three items per household per day. Refer to their website for state-specific information and various limitations on TVs, computer monitors, and laptops.
Dell Reconnect (using Goodwill) accepts any brand of computer technology in any condition for recycling or refurbishing.
Goodwill Industries International Donation Centers and Thrift Stores accept working and non-working electronics such as computers, TVs, and printers.
EARTH911 Recycling Centers are North America’s most extensive recycling databases. Simply dial 1(800)CLEANUP, or visit their site, enter in the material you are trying to recycle, enter your zip code, and click search.
Greener Gadgets, managed by the Consumer Technology Association, provides an online resource for recycling.
Microsoft Store Trade-In Program accepts tablets, phones, laptops, and desktop computers.
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