Used Electronics

Every year, 3.2 million tons of used electronics are thrown away in our country. This represents America's fastest-growing municipal waste stream and makes up a huge percentage of toxic materials in landfills. Used electronics included in this group are: computers, monitors, televisions, printers, keyboards, mice, scanners, fax machines, phones VCRs, cell phones, and other similar items.

Electronics contain the toxic chemicals lead oxide, mercury, nickel, zinc and cadmium. They are very hazardous to humans and the environment.

Recycle Your Used Electronics

Electronics can be refurbished, reused or recycled. Working TVs, monitors, computers can be sold or donated. Recycling electronics recovers valuable metals for reuse.

Many companies recycle computers and cell phones when you purchase a new one.

Keep cell phones as long as possible before replacing. Donate old phones to organizations for repair and distribution. Maintain computers as long as possible. Buy only what you need. For example, do you need a new computer or only a hard drive or memory?