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We Americans love our gadgets. Many households have multiple computers, electronic kitchen products like microwaves, ipods, digital computer frames, printers, fax machines and televisions. As these items near then end of their useful lives (i.e., break), it is possible to recycle them rather than throw them in the dumpster. Electronics products that end up in landfills often release toxic chemicals that contaminate the soil and groundwater. Pollutants from electronics can contribute to poor health and environmental conditions.
Electronics recycling is a green job – one that promotes the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. Dismantling electronics products is a low-barrier-to-entry job which can employ people from all walks of life and which directly contributes to the improvement of the environment.
The following video shows some of the potential in the green ecycling industry:
The electronics recycling increasing in popularity, buttressed by legislation which requires cleaner landfills free of electronics waste. As the New York Times reports, “Since 2004, 18 states and New York City have approved laws that make manufacturers responsible for recycling electronics, and similar statutes were introduced in 13 other states this year. The laws are intended to prevent a torrent of toxic and outdated electronic equipment — television sets, computers, monitors, printers, fax machines — from ending up in landfills where they can leach chemicals into groundwater and potentially pose a danger to public health.”
For more information and to learn more about electronics recycling, including local facilities:
- To donate: myGreenElectronics and WhereYouLive and Donate Here
St. Louis' program:
St. Louis - Basic information: EPA eCycling
- Memphis' hazardous waste collection facility
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