Skip to main content


Repost Message
will copy the article into draft mode and enable you to edit/change dates and information.
Do not change the dates
of this posting because it will affect the original.

MCC Daily Tribune

Green Tip: Recycle Old Electronics

Electronics, a daily part of everyone's lives, are helpful devices when used properly. Unfortunately as they age, they become outdated or broken and need to be disposed of. Since they are composed of dangerous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and beryllium that can accumulate in the environment and create health hazards, they shouldn't just go in the trash. When the cases of these devices break, they can leak these harmful chemicals--this can happen in a landfill.

For example, according to GreenCitizen.com, a San Francisco area based organization, electronic waste is currently 2-3% of the U.S. solid waste stream, but is responsible for almost 70% of our toxic waste. There are an estimated 70 million computers in our landfills, representing around 40% of all lead in U.S. landfills.

The better option is to recycle that old electronics gear. Some stores offer options to trade-in old devices. Many cell phone carriers will buy your old device from you when you get a new one. Other retailers like Best Buy and Staples will accept a variety of items from residents for free from vacuums and curling irons to desktop computers and CD drives. Some manufacturers, such as LG and Samsung, offer mail-in recycling options (with free shipping) for electronics and electronics packaging materials. Find more details at the EPA's Electronics Donation and Recycling page https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling#where .

Locally Sunnking (https://sunnking.com/consumer-business/drop-off-locations/) and Maven Technologies (http://www.maventech.com/residential-recycling) offer the option to drop-off residential electronics for recycling. Sunnking also has some drive-through collection events with the next one on September 14th from 9am to NOON at Xerox -enter off of Phillips Road - https://sunnking.com/events/webster-ny-location-tbd/

See the list of acceptable/unacceptable materials from Sunnking as an example of the range of materials that can be recycled. Remember to check with the retailer/recycler first to be sure they will accept your old electronic items!

Attached Files:
Acceptable-materials-list-sunnking.pdf

Ann Penwarden
Sustainability Steering Committee’s Recycling Committee
09/10/2019