According to Earth911.com, electronic waste makes up about 70% of the toxic waste found in landfills today! This toxic waste can leech into nearby water supplies, causing environmental and human problems of all sorts. This is why technology recycling is getting so much focus lately. Technology recycling companies have found innovative ways to break down electronics, such as phones, computers, monitors, and other technological devices, into their component parts. Once this is finished, the various pieces of the electronics can either be safely discarded or recycled to make new products.
Image By Stuart Miles
How to Recycle Technology
It might seem difficult to recycle technological devices, but it’s becoming easier and easier. In fact, many technology companies have recycling programs in place to help you dispose of their products in an environmentally friendly manner.
You can, for instance, send Apple your old iPhone, Mac, PC, or iPad for recycling. If the company can resell it, you can actually get money for the item, but if not, they’ll recycle it without charging you a dime. Hewlett Packard will recycle printer cartridges and any brand of computer hardware, as well. With these programs, though, you do usually need to send your electronics in by mail, which means you have to at least pay for shipping.
Another Option (No Shipping Required)…
Another option is to find an electronics recycling drop-off location near your home. If you live in the San Diego area, you can check out Recycle San Diego. This company offers free drop-off programs at various locations in the greater San Diego area on a regular basis, and you can find out from their website when those technology recycling events are taking place.
If you don’t live in the San Diego area, there may still be technology recycling options near you. Check out the home page of Earth911.com, where you can search for places to recycle cell phones, computers, and other technological devices near you. In many areas, there is a set drop-off location, or your community may even run collection events at certain times of the year.
What to Look for Before Recycling
Before you simply dump your electronics off, do just a little bit of research. Some disreputable companies don’t actually recycle your electronics at all; instead, they simply ship it overseas to be trashed there! Make sure that the company you’re deciding to use recycles at least 90% of the materials it gets and that it is certified as an electronics recycler. Recycle San Diego works with recyclers who are R2 Certified and can even provide you with documentation that you’ve properly recycled your electronics, which is very important for California businesses!
