Recycling electronic waste is slightly different from just dropping off a pile of scrap metal at your local recycling center. There are guidelines to follow to ensure that toxic batteries and heavy metals stay out of landfills and that glass and wires are also handled properly. If you’re in Georgia, use Fulton Metals Recycling for all of your full-service e-waste recycling Atlanta needs. If you’re not in Georgia, read on to learn more about the best practices to follow when recycling your electronic waste.
Why Electronic Waste Recycling Matters
When you get a new phone or computer, instinct may tell you to toss your old electronics in the trash. After all, old gadgets are no good to you anymore. But stop before you take that step! There are much better ways to deal with your worn-out electronics.
First, see if your mobile carrier offers trade-in value for your phone. Usually, this isn’t a lot, anywhere between $5 and $50 for a two-year-old phone. However, trading it in is still worth more than tossing it. Newer computers, tablets, and laptops can often be re-purposed and donated to schools and other organizations. But if this isn’t an option for any reason, consider recycling your electronics.
Recycling Protects You and the Environment
When you trash electronics, you release toxic chemicals and metals into our environment. Battery acid, lead, chromium, and flame retardants are all present in electronics, and when left in landfills, they can pollute the groundwater, soil, and even the air. Exposure to these toxins can cause damage to blood cells, kidneys, and more. And that’s not even taking into account the environmental impact of constantly mining and manufacturing new electronic components. That’s where a commercial recycling service comes into play.
Commercial Recycling
A commercial recycling facility can handle every bit of your electronic waste, safely remove the batteries, and then mine your devices for valuable components.
Metal/Glass
Metal frames and glass screens are separated. They can be melted down and transformed into various components or recycled into cans or bottles.
Precious Metals
Copper, gold, silver, platinum, and even palladium can be mined from your old electronics and used again. Everything from connectors and conductors to wires and exterior accents can be removed from your device and turned into new wire, copper or gold plating, and more.
Rubber/Plastic
Rubber from chargers and cords, plastic from keyboards, and other parts may not seem valuable, but we can still keep them out of landfills. Rubber parts can become playground surfacing, shoes, mats, sports turf, and even be mixed with asphalt for road surfacing. Plastic pieces can be used to make bottles, containers, and even prosthetics.
In Conclusion
We all know that recycling paper and plastic is great for the environment. But did you know that in 25 states and the District of Columbia, it is illegal to throw your electronic waste in a landfill? E-waste recycling is the best disposal option for all kinds of electronic waste. So gather up those old TVs, cameras, cell phones, and computers, and head over to the nearest recycling center!