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It’s hard sometimes to remember just how much waste our modern technology generates, and how
much it can impact the environment. Every time we purchase a new cell phone, computer, or television,
we need to dispose of an old one. Besides an enormous amount of plastic and metal material, these
items use toxic materials like mercury, arsenic, and lithium, among others. When these items end up in
landfills, those toxins end up in our soil and water. It takes only a little extra effort to recycle or donate
these items, and you’ll feel great about doing it.

Getting rid of your old computers and electronic devices is not as difficult as you think.  It doesn’t have
to cost you anything except a few minutes of your time, and by disposing of your techo-trash properly
you’re helping to prevent new toxic waste from entering landfills and our ecosystems. Now doesn’t that
make you feel good?

Here are some ideas for getting rid of your techno-trash – and for creating less of it in the future.

Computers
Get Rid of the Old Stuff
  • Many companies, including Apple, Dell, Hewlett Packard, and Sony will arrange to dispose of your
    old computer when you purchase a new one from them. Learn more about each company's
    recycling programs at My Green Electronics.
  • Computers up to 5 years old can be donated to charities like the Salvation Army for a tax
    deduction. Just be sure to clear your hard drive of all personal files before donating, or send it to
    a professional refurbishing company for cleaning.
  • Your local recycling facility may have a drop-off center for electronics. Many regions also have
    ‘tech drives’ or similar programs on a monthly or quarterly basis, during which the recycling facility
    arranges to pick up techno-trash at various public or retail locations.
  • If you create a lot of techno-trash (i.e. cd’s, floppy discs, etc.), or if your local recycling facility
    doesn’t take computers, you may want to consider a recycling program from a company like
    GreenDisk, Back Thru the Future, and Electronic Recyclers, all of which accept computers,
    electronics, CD’s, and old hard drives at no cost to you (except shipping).
  • For more information about recycling techno-trash you can check out these links: Earth 911, The
    EPA, and the Computer Take Back Campaign.
  • Donation is a great option if your old computer is still in working order.
  • Inveneo is an organization which provides students and professionals in the developing
    world with low-power, low-cost ICT infrastructure.
  • Find numerous sites with information about computer recycling on the EPA web site.
  • Donate any and all used technology to organizations like The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and
    the Collective Good Foundation.  Just make sure to clear your hard drive of any personal
    files before you donate. Goodwill has plenty of information about disc cleaning on their
    web page at goodwill.org.

Buy the New Stuff
  • ‘Close the Loop’: Look for new products made from recycled materials. GreenDisk sells CD-RWs,
    jewel cases, and soft CD sleeves made from the stuff they recycle. Green Earth Office Supply  
    sells re-manufactured printer cartridges, ergonomic computer accessories, mouse pads, and even
    surge protectors and power strips. Ecomall lists dozens of companies selling products made from
    recycled materials in all categories.
  • We buy pre-owned cars, why not pre-owned computers? Fewer new materials used means
    markedly less manufacturing impact on the environment. Plus, refurbished machines are often
    half the price of their brand new counterparts, but still come with full manufacturer’s warrantees.
    Also look for gently used keyboards, monitors, speakers, and other accessories.
  • Keep the stuff that still works: Unless your monitor, keyboard, and speakers are seriously
    outmoded, there’s no reason you can’t use them with a newer, faster tower – and conserve
    materials and money at the same time.
  • If you must buy new, try to buy conscientiously.  Look for mouse pads, keyboards, and other
    accessories made without PVC, and research your company’s manufacturing practices.
  • Buy CD-RWs instead of CD-Rs – they’re a little pricier initially, but you can erase and rewrite them
    several times, so you’ll use fewer CD’s overall.

There are literally hundreds of computer recycling companies on the web, some affiliated with states or
municipalities, others independent. Check out the links I’ve provided, or just type ‘computer recycling’
and your state or city into your search engine, and watch what comes up.  


Other E-Waste Recycling Resources
Recently, I was in Staples picking up some office supplies, and I discovered to my delight that they offer
e-waste recycling services in addition to their ink and toner recycling program. I’m not sure how long
this program has been around, but I don’t think it’s received the publicity it’s due.  So if you are getting
rid of your old desktop, laptop, mouse, speakers, printer, fax machine, or another electronic device, you
can now bring it to your local Staples to be recycled. You will be charged a $10 fee for large equipment
like towers and monitors, but smaller stuff is free. Get more info about this program at staples.com.

General recycling and information

Cellular phones

If you're interested in larger-scale recycling for your business, check out these sites

Technology makes our lives better. Let’s not let it make the planet sick!
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E-Waste: The 800-Pound Gorilla