Take Action & Join the Electronic Recycling Movement
Everyone can play a significant role in keeping our environment clean and healthy by participating in electronic recycling. Households, business owners, and manufacturers should learn where their local electronics recycling center is, and how easy it can be to recycle old electrical equipment and electronic devices.
If you’re new to the electronic waste recycling movement, keep reading to learn more about e-waste, its environmental impact, and how you can help.
The Environmental Impact of Electronic Waste
While computers and other electronic devices have forever changed the way we work, live, and play, these same products are responsible for 20 to 50 million metric tons of e-waste (discarded electrical or electronic devices) every year in the U.S.
This statistic becomes even more alarming when you consider that it takes thousands of years for these products to decompose in landfills. And of course, since the dangerous chemicals in plastics and toxic metals are not organic materials, they leave behind nasty waste that will leach into soil and groundwater—affecting communities all across the nation.
What Is E-Waste?
E-waste includes anything that is electrical or electronic, including:
- Computers
- TVs
- Cell Phones
- Stereos
- DVD Players
- Printers
- Gaming Consoles
- Microwave Ovens
- Power Tools
- Electronic Toys
- Air Conditioners
- Microwaves
- Refrigerators
What Happens When You Recycle Electronics?
Imagine all of the electronic devices that are discarded every year, all across the globe. The job of an electronics recycling center is to first separate all the material into usable and non-usable parts. Sometimes, they discover products or parts that can be refurbished and reused. This would be the best use of a discarded electronic device or electrical equipment.
Next, any metal that can be salvaged and recycled will be separated from the rest. Most metals like copper or steel can be shredded and melted at high temperatures to produce blocks or sheets of metal. This is the end result of electronics waste recycling—to either reuse functional components or to reclaim reusable materials.
Where to Take Electronics for Recycling
According to Consumer Reports, since only 17.4% of electronics are properly disposed of, you can reduce your e-waste footprint by ensuring that you recycle items that contain plastics, glass, metal, or aluminum.
Your first option for electronic waste recycling is to donate usable items to a charity or any local organization. Be sure to check out organizations that are dedicated to helping seniors and youth affordably access electronics.
Your next and best option is to partner with an electronics recycling center or service provider that will accept drop-offs or pickup from a community area. Choose a reputable firm, like High Tech Recycling, that not only provides local recycling collection bins, but also picks up a high volume of electronic equipment.
Benefits of Recycling E-Waste
Many people feel great about donating old electronic devices to worthwhile charities. Unfortunately, even working electronic devices become unusable because the software or hardware is no longer supported by the manufacturer.
That’s where electronic recycling has its greatest benefits. When you recycle your e-waste, you’re:
- Providing Electronics Recycling Jobs for the Community
- Reducing the Use of Natural Resources in Manufacturing
- Saving Valuable Space in Landfills
- Promoting a Better Quality of Water, Land, & Air
Call High Tech Recycling Today
At High Tech Recycling, we make it easy for your family or your business to ‘Go Green.’ Green living means following practices that lead to a healthier environment. It means being ecologically responsible with the choices you make, in your lifestyle, and at your place of employment.
If you’re interested in electronic recycling, call us today. We can even destroy any data in your hard drives before we recycle your electronics. If you run a commercial business, we also provide special weekly, monthly, or on-call pickup services. Click here to learn more about our services, or call (248) 975-7472 today to get started with a consultation.
