Electronic Waste
Electronic Waste is a general term for both consumer and business electronic equipment that has reached the end of its “useful life.” This means that it is no longer usable by its owner.
General guidelines for E-Waste:
1. Try to donate, recycle or reuse electronics before throwing them out. Many electronics can be repaired, or their parts can be used for other devices. Find a local electronic parts store, or simply your local thrift stores.
2. NEVER throw E-Waste in your home trash can without checking first. Some E-Waste is sensitive and hazardous, and should not be put into landfills.
3. Ask a lot of questions of your e-waste recycling facility. Because E-Waste is the fastest growing sector of waste in the US (and many other countries) some E-Waste collectors cannot handle the amount of waste they’re collecting. Sometimes, these companies ship the e-waste off to other countries, where it is often burned in low-income communities.
Online Resources:
http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/ecycling/index.htm
Find an e-waste facility near you: http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/electronics/collection/RecyclerSearch.aspx
