How to Properly Recycle Electronics: Expert Advice

We’re all aware (or at least we should be!) that simply tossing an old phone in the trash isn’t the right approach. The issue is, unlike household trash and recycling, there’s no regular service for disposing of old electronics. This responsibility falls on us as consumers to decide what to do with our outdated tech (besides letting them pile up in a drawer somewhere!). While there's no universal solution, there are alternatives. We consulted experts to learn the best methods for recycling electronics the right way.

Why Should We Recycle Electronics?

It’s crucial to understand why we need to be mindful of how we discard old technology. Experts agree that recycling electronics helps protect the environment. Did you know there’s gold in your old gadgets? Especially in cell phones, says Handwerker. Electronics contain a range of valuable materials like silver, palladium, and platinum. “These rare earth elements must be recovered, and if they're thrown away, they're lost forever,” Napoli explains.

While we as individuals can't extract these precious materials ourselves, Handwerker notes, “If we give our old electronics to companies that specialize in recycling, it achieves two things. First, they can separate and resell some of the materials in bulk when processing thousands of phones and computers. Second, gold extraction is one of the most environmentally harmful mining processes, so by recycling, you’re helping the planet. At the same time, these materials are returned to circulation for use in electronics or even jewelry. In short, you're directly contributing to the environment,” she adds.

Napoli concurs. “Unfortunately, many materials used in electronics are mined or collected in places where they shouldn’t be, or by those who shouldn't be doing it.” He further explains, “Around 70% of the toxic waste filling our landfills and illegal dump sites comes from electronics. This is because they contain hazardous materials like lead, arsenic, and fire-resistant plastic, which are infused with dangerous chemicals.” These chemicals, when exposed to the environment, can be harmful to human health,” he says.

Which Electronics Are Recyclable?

The good news is that many of our outdated gadgets can be recycled. Napoli explains, “Everyday devices that we use can be processed and repurposed.” In fact, about 95% of the materials in these items can be recovered, provided the process is done efficiently. This includes phones, laptops, tablets, computers, and even appliances like televisions—essentially, most of our electronics are suitable candidates for e-waste recycling programs.

How to Get Your Electronics Ready for Recycling

Our devices often hold much of our personal lives, so it’s important to take precautions before recycling. “Your devices contain personal data,” Napoli points out. “You don’t want that information falling into the wrong hands. So, making sure your device is properly recycled also means ensuring your data is completely wiped.”

While some programs will take care of this for you, for peace of mind, it’s best to first back up your data if it's not already stored on the cloud or another device. Then, erase it. “The factory reset feature is very effective for protecting your privacy,” Napoli explains. (But just to be safe, double-check that everything is actually erased before you send it off!)

Available Recycling Options

This is where things can get a bit complicated. There’s no universal system for recycling electronics, Napoli explains. “Twenty-five states have some form of e-waste regulation, but the other 25 don’t. So there’s no uniformity.” Additionally, the United States is one of the few countries that hasn’t signed the Basel Convention on electronic waste management, which means “countries like the U.S. just ship their outdated materials to a third-party nation that is ill-equipped to handle it,” he adds.

To ensure that e-waste is being recycled responsibly, it's essential to choose a program with an EPA-recognized certification. The two most well-known certifications are e-Stewards and R2,” he explains.

The main takeaway from both experts is that it may take a bit of searching to find the best local recycling option. A good place to start is your local government website. They might direct you to organizations like TERRA or nearby recycling centers that offer e-waste programs or special events. Napoli and Handwerker also recommended checking with retailers that have recycling programs, such as Best Buy and Staples, which accept electronics—from an old iPod to a new Apple Watch—no matter where they were purchased. Some manufacturers, including Apple and Google, also offer take-back initiatives.

And keep in mind that electronics can often be repaired, says Handwerker. If you have a device with a broken screen, for instance, there's likely a local shop that can fix it, allowing you to continue using it (and save money compared to buying a new one!).

Donating Electronics

While our outdated phones might be as useful as a paperweight, electronics that are still in good working condition can have a second life. When it comes to donations, “most non-profits prefer items that are no older than a couple of years,” says Handwerker. If your device is still relatively new, consider reaching out to local organizations such as schools or shelters. Even if they don’t use the devices directly, they may recycle them to fund their programs. Goodwill also accepts certain electronics.

Guidelines for Responsible Electronics Disposal

While not all electronics are recyclable, it remains crucial to dispose of them in the right way. This is especially important when dealing with hazardous materials, such as those found in lithium-ion batteries, which can pose a fire risk, according to Handwerker. Many of the recycling programs we've mentioned can also manage the disposal of these hazardous items, so it's best to consult them before tossing anything into the trash.