Don’t Trash It! What to Do With Your E-Waste

A nice, shiny new HDTV! Time to throw out that slightly smaller, slightly dustier HDTV you bought two years ago. You stop to think for a minute, though. You’ve heard about some new rules, some things you can and can’t do with your out-of-date electronics. So maybe we don’t just haul yesterday’s news down to the curb – maybe the garbagemen won’t, or can’t, take it. Time for a little research. . . 

RoHS, WEEE, and other acronyms are familiar to electronics manufacturers, especially those who deal with the European markets. Those directives are so prevalent there, that beyond the manufacturers, most consumers are aware and active with their e-waste disposal and recycling. Here in North America, though, most consumers seem to be a little hazier on e-waste regulations – in part because so many of them are new, and in part because in many cases, they don’t yet exist.

Our handy list below details some of the best methods and resources for learning about e-waste disposal and recycling compliance. And if compliance isn’t necessary? It’s always good to learn about some responsible best practices.

Choose: Disposal or Recycling? At this point, either is an option for the consumer, as the end responsibility to ensure proper reclamation lies with the manufacturer. If you know of an e-waste recycler in your area, you may bring your old components directly there, but municipal pickup is also an option.

Research Local Pickup Methods and Times. Most e-waste regulation is at the local, town, or, in some cases, state level. A simple Google search of your municipality’s service website will let you know when and where to leave that old laptop for proper pickup and disposal.

Another Option: Donation. That two-year-old TV we talked about in the beginning? You may not be able to stand the sight of it anymore, but that doesn’t mean it won’t brighten up someone else’s day. Institutions like hospitals, nursing homes, and others would be glad to take it off your hands. For more information, see this link.

Etratech is committed to spreading knowledge about responsible e-waste disposal and recycling. Contactus with any further questions!