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Some people may have old electronics they are no longer using, or ones that don’t work anymore.

Instead of throwing those old or obsolete items away, you can recycle your old electronics, but the process isn’t as simple as recycling aluminum soda cans, or old books and papers.

The government has placed strict regulations on the recycling of electronics, and the electronic recyclers, or as they are often called, E-Cyclers, must have specific certification in order to recycle each individual scrap component of the electronics.

Here is an explanation of the reasons for making sure your E-cycler has been certified, so you can recycle your old electronics properly.

The Complexities of the Electronic Recycling Process

Although, there are many products such as aluminum cans, old newspapers, magazines, books, glass and plastic products that can be placed in one of several blue recycling bins around your neighborhood, the electronics that you own can also be recycled. However, the process is much more complex. The federal government has implemented new and more stringent regulations for recycling electronic equipment, and the waste management experts in Connecticut say that an E-cycler must obtain official certification in order to properly recycle outdated and obsolete electronic equipment. With the changes and developments in technology in this day and time, electronics are rapidly becoming obsolete; therefore, the number of electronics needing to be recycled is rapidly increasing more than ever. Electronic recyclers must disassemble the electronic equipment such as a desktop computer, for example, and find the right recycling outlets for each type of material, metal, glass, plastic, etc. Any hazardous components or substances, such as batteries and mercury, must be collected and recycled properly.

Electronic Recycling Regulations

Although recycling saves the environment, according to waste management experts in Connecticut, the companies that recycle electronics are businesses, just like any other business and are striving to make a profit from these items. A consumer may be able to sell a used cell phone and get a little cash, but a larger item such as a stereo or desk top computer are much more difficult to recycle, thus you will have to pay more to recycle these items than receive a profit from them. Several states in the U.S. have implemented laws and regulations for the proper recycling of electronics, and some states have placed a ban on used electronics in land fields.

Key Takeaways:

• The process of recycling electronics is much more complex than recycling other goods.
• Some electronics have to be disassembled, and each type of material must be recycled separately.
• Residue and other hazardous components must be collected and properly recycled.
• Recycling your used electronics can be profitable, and others can be more costly.

Need Help?

Are you interested in learning more about recycling; specifically electronics, contact us today!

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