The vast majority of people in the United States own multiple pieces of electronics used in their homes daily. When it comes time to discard these electronics, electronic recycling is the only way that this should be done in order to protect the environment.
As of 2022, there are 347 metric tons of un-recycled e-waste on the Earth. Not only can this e-waste affect the planet, but it can actually end up in our bodies when it’s not disposed of or recycled.
Interior components often include lead, cadmium, and mercury, which are all toxic metals. This is where electronic recycling comes into play.
While the equipment itself may not be able to be refurbished and used for its original purpose, there may be components that can be utilized in something new. All other pieces should be properly discarded.
We’ve compiled a list of some of people’s top questions regarding electronic recycling. Let’s get started.
What is Considered to be an Electronic Device?
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act that has been issued by the Environmental Protection Agency includes the following in their list of electronic devices:
- Computer monitors
- Televisions
- Computers
- Audio equipment
- DVD players
- Video cameras
- Phones
- Digital cameras
- Copy machines
- Video game consoles
- Kitchen appliances and many more.
Most items that can be plugged into a power source will be considered an electronic device at a recycling center.
Why Are Recycled Materials Often Sent Overseas?
Many less than reputable electronic recycling companies will send the materials they have collected over to countries such as Asia, Nigeria, India, and Pakistan.
This is an affordable option for them to offload the equipment, but this usually has a negative impact on the environment since these third-world countries don’t properly break down the items.
Why Does Recycling Out-of-Date Electronics Matter?
Electronics recycling in Dallas isn’t just about using old materials to make something new. The United States generates approximately 250,000,000 of waste each year that fits into the category of e-waste.
Less than 20 percent of that waste is recycled. That means the rest of those electronics are sitting in dumps, releasing chemical waste into our soil and waterways.
What about My Secure Data?
All of the data that electronic recycling companies receive in the form of hard drives, computer discs and tape will be wiped clean according to criteria set by the Department of Defense Media Sanitation.
There are other methods of destroying personal information, such as shredding, crushing and magnetic degaussing. At RetirePC, we offer superior data destruction services that our clients can trust. Our shredders are capable of destroying thousands of hard drives per hour and can help you ensure any digital data left behind is obliterated before any redistribution or reuse occurs.
What is a No-Landfill Policy?
When you’re choosing an electronic recycling company, look for someone that follows a no-landfill policy. This means that none of your electronic waste will end up in a landfill.
Rather, your items will be adequately recycled in a way that fully utilizes them. Recycling companies will sometimes go on to sell the parts if they still have value.
Is Donation an Option?
Rather than recycling your old electronics, donation can be an option as well if both people involved understand what this encompasses.
For example, someone needs to be responsible for the destruction of data. Will the person or company you’re donating to take full responsibility of your privacy? Because of the risk involved with donations, it’s sometimes better to work with a reputable recycling company that will handle your e-waste in a way that prevents data leaks.
Recycle Your Electronics Safely With RetirePC
If you want more information on electronic recycling, contact us here at RetirePC. We ensure that all of your donations are handled properly, including the destruction of any personal data that may be left over on your devices.
We utilize only the most reputable processes within our company, working hard to use the items we’re given in a way that will protect the environment for generations to come.