Recycle Electronics

Recycle Electronics

Not sure what items around your house are suitable for recycling? This series of pages will cover all materials that an informed layman and consumer should be aware of regarding most commonly known recyclable materials- things like paper, Styrofoam, ink cartridges, and plastic water bottles.

We will also discuss some materials that are not widely known to be recyclable like rubber and concrete. There should be special attention given to materials that are poorly understood and/or hard to recycle.

Recycle Electronics / Supply and Demand

The diversity and sophistication of electronics has grown significantly over the past few decades, the demand for something newer, better, and 'cooler' has also climbed substantially. As a result there has been a healthy interest in some of the hazards of electronic products, particularly the ones that have become dinosaurs and are longer wanted.

For durability and convenience of the times, electronics are prefabricated using a good portion of hepatotoxic substances including (but not limited to) metal, aluminum, zinc, conductors and plastics, which can all break down into poisonous materiasl and become highly toxic.

Recycle Electronics / Why is e-Waste So Bad

Electronics that are in jeopardy are referred to as e-waste, or electronic blow. Electronic devices include telephones, cell phones, radios, CD and DVD players, televisions, and computers.

Have you ever stopped and thought (or actually counted) the number of electronic gadgets in your home? Well studies reveal that the typical American home has 24. Multiply that millions of times over, and you will begin to sense the magnitude of electronics and the matter of toxic waste.

According to the EPA measures are being taken 'to educate consumers and others on why it is important to reuse and recycle electronics and what the options are for safe reuse and recycling of these products. State and local governments, manufacturers, and retailers, who are already aware of the pressing need to better manage these materials, are providing more opportunities to recycle and reuse this equipment.

Many computer manufacturers, TV manufacturers, and electronics retailers offer some kind of take back program or sponsor recycling events. Many states have passed some sort of legislation to manage end-of-life electronics, and more are expected to follow suit.'

Recycle Electronics / Exporting Our Dirty Problem

Because the US accumulating such an astounding amount of toxic waste they are exporting this e-waste to places like China, India and Pakistan. Workers in these countries strip the e-waste for materials that can be used and in the process expose themselves to life-threatening toxic materials

Recycle Electronics / Websites that can help...

Here are a couple of valuable resources to help you give your used or unwanted electronics to a proper resting place:

Earth 911
Earth 911 has taken environmental hotlines, web sites and other information sources nationwide, and consolidated them into one network. Once you contact the Earth 911 network, you will find community-specific information on eCycling and much more.

My Green Electronics
My Green Electronics provided by the Consumer Electronics Association, is a resource for consumers wishing to purchase green products and/or searching for local opportunities to recycle or donate used electronics.

eCycling Central
The Electronic Industries Alliance's eCycling Central Web site helps you find reuse, recycling and donation programs for electronics products in your state.

TechSoup
TechSoup has compiled a comprehensive body of information to promote computer recycling and reuse. This site provides resources for those who would like to donate hardware, those who would like to acquire recycled hardware, and refurbishers.

Recycle Electronics / Sources

http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm
http://www.ecyclingcentral.com/
http://www.digitaltips.org/green/default.asp

Find a place to recycle your electronics near you...

Local/Denver http://www.colorado-recycles.org/main.html
Australia http://www.sustainabilitymatters.net.au/news/28561-Television-and-computer-monitor-recycling-plant-for-Australia

For more information on recycling electronics near you just input the phrase, recycling electronics in 'your area' in your search engine search bar. Or go to earth911.com.

For more information on other types of materials that can be recycled and about why recycling is important follow these links:

What Materials Can Be Recycled

Recycling Lead

Recycle Carpet

Recycle Clip Art

Recycling Ink Cartridges

Recycling Metals

Recycling Old Computers

Recycling Paper

PET Recycling

Recycling Plastic Bottles

Recycling Styrofoam