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For Old Electronics: Don’t Think Trash. Think e-Cycling
Release Date: 12/18/2014
Contact Information: Donna Heron 215-814-5113 / [email protected]
But what about the old ones that are still perfectly functional? Think e-Cycle.
Rather than making products from scratch, recycling electronics keeps harmful toxins out of landfills, recovers valuable materials that can be reused, conserves virgin resources and results in lower emissions, including greenhouse gases which contributes to climate change.
Many people actively look for new ways to protect the environment and recycling electronics can make a significant impact. For example, smartphones make up a large portion of the waste stream. For every one million smart phones recycled, 35,274 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered and reused.
The good news for consumers is that electronics recycling is growing in popularity and ease. Through EPA’s National Electronics Challenge, many retailers and manufacturers now take back old electronics for recycling by certified electronics recyclers. By using certified recyclers, you can rest assured that your old electronics will be recycled responsibly. To find such locations near you, go to http://search.earth911.com/ and enter your zip code.
In addition, many states, cities and counties sponsor collection events for electronics during the year, or they may offer a permanent drop-off location with certain hours of operation.
For events and locations in your area go to: https://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/eCycling/index.htm, look under eCycling Programs in Region 3, and click on your state for local electronics recycling information.
For more information on eCycling, go to: www.epa.gov/ecycling.
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