Electronics are not like other materials. They can be toxic and even radioactive, and they don’t break down in the open world as other products do. Therefore, states Albert Boufarah, CEO of SAMR Inc. in Lakewood, NJ, recycling electronics is very important for protecting human health and the environment. However, most people recycle their electronics improperly. There are some things that you should know before you throw your old electronic device into any old disposal bin:
- Some e-waste contains heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, which can cause serious health problems.
- Electronics typically contain precious resources such as copper or gold, which can be reused in new products if recycled properly.
- Improper disposal of e-waste creates several serious social problems.
This is why it is important to recycle your e-waste properly, both for the health of the environment as well as for you and your family. Here are some tips on how to do that.
Take It to a Recycler
When it comes to recycling your e-waste, a specialized electronic recycling facility is the ideal destination. They know how to process your obsolete electronics properly and can extract all of the essential materials for reuse. Furthermore, a licensed & certified computer recycler like SAMR Inc. will provide you the assurance of thorough data destruction, which you will not find through other means.
Every State Has Recycling Rules
Every state has its own set of recycling regulations and laws to protect human health and the environment from potential damage caused by electronics that are not disposed of properly. They vary from one state to another but generally require that large reputable recyclers dispose of your e-waste properly, provide safe working conditions for their employees: some take it a step further and call on manufacturers to do their part in recycling & repurposing their own devices. So before you try and recycle your old electronics on your own, make sure it is allowed where you live.
Don’t Throw It Out with Your Regular Trash
Putting your old electronics in the regular trash means they will likely end up at a landfill, where they will sit untouched exposed to the elements before deteriorating. Landfills are full of harmful chemicals that leech into groundwater, says Albert Boufarah, CEO of SAMR Inc., contaminating drinking water sources all over the world.
Recycle Your Device with a Local Recycling Program
Many cities hold collection drives throughout the year specifically for electronics recycling. Check out your local paper’s website for more info on when and where you can dispose of your e-waste in an ethical manner that won’t damage the environment.
Recycling the Right Way
We’re only scratching the surface on ways that you can make a difference in recycling your unwanted devices. There are plenty of other options, but hopefully, these few tips will help you next time you need to recycle your e-waste. Remember that recycling an item is more financially efficient than buying new materials to produce something: this approach ultimately helps us all to preserve resources and save money in the long term.
By Jaime Cartwright