Everything You Need To Know About Electronics Disposal

You may have heard that you can’t dispose of electronics the same way you dispose of your other garbage or recyclables.  However, most of us still just toss our old, unwanted recyclables in the garbage can with everything else.  Unfortunately, this is a dangerous act.  Electronic waste, known as E-waste, always needs to be disposed of carefully.  That’s why we’re trying to help you learn the do’s and don’ts of E-waste recycling.

What is E-Waste?

As you can imagine, a lot of household items fall into this category.  As technology changes so rapidly, we are constantly finding ourselves replacing our electronics at home, filling up shelves and drawers with older electronics that are no longer compatible with today’s technology.  All of these old smart phones, computers, gaming systems, stereos, TVs, cameras, and other electronics would fall into the category of E-waste and must be disposed of the right way.

Why Can’t We Just Recycle E-Waste?

For the most part, recyclable materials such as metals and plastics compose electronics.   Other interior components, however, are actually hazardous.  Think of the hazardous acids that are inside batteries.  Some technologies contain many toxic materials including mercury, lead, cadmium, barium. and lithium.  When left in landfills, harmful substances release into the environment via the ground and air.  It is important to limit this toxic release by ensuring proper handling and disposal of technology.

How Can I Properly Dispose of My Electronics?

Separate them!  Keep your old electronics and appliances out of the trash can.  Instead of throwing them away with other garbage that is likely to end up in a landfill, set them aside.  That way, you can take them to a proper E-waste recycling facility.  There are lots of options for you.  Right here in Huntington Beach there are multiple places we can take our old electronics to be treated, such as Beachside Recycling.  Nationwide, Best Buy also offers free E-waste recycling at all of its locations.  If these options aren’t convenient for you, just do some research and find a location to dispose of your E-waste so you aren’t contributing to the toxic release of chemicals in our environment.

Junk Smiths wants our community to be educated on this due to its importance.  One of our missions is limiting the amount of junk that ends up in landfills and performing our services in environmentally-friendly manners.  If you have any questions about E-waste recycling or junk removal in general, let us know!