E-waste – everyone has it, but not everyone knows what to do with it. Electronic waste (e-waste) is any old electronic device that is no longer useable or working, including outdated computers, cellphones, televisions, light bulbs, and batteries. Have you experienced that moment of pause before you throw away an electronic item that you are not quite sure can go in the trash? Good thinking – the electronics many of us use every day contain valuable metals and materials that can be recycled, and they also have toxic chemicals that should not end up in landfills. 

Before you toss that old device in the trash can or put it back into the junk drawer, read on for some quick and easy ways to reuse, recycle, or dispose of e-waste.

Batteries

Batteries contain chemicals and metals that together create a reaction that generates electrical energy. Once a battery stops powering a device or can’t hold a charge, it’s time to dispose of it. The Hazardous Waste Management Program accepts batteries at hazardous waste collection sites. Accepted batteries include alkaline, button, removable cellphone batteries, laptop lead-acid, rechargeable, and car batteries. When disposing of batteries, make sure you tape the ends of the batteries to reduce a fire hazard. 

You can also recycle batteries at some grocery and home improvement stores, such as Best Buy, The Home Depot, Staples, and Lowe’s. These stores have battery recycling programs that allow you to drop off batteries in bins at the store free of charge. Call2Recycle is another resource for information and locations if you’re looking to dispose of batteries. 

Light bulbs

Recycling light bulbs prevents the release of toxic mercury into the environment and allows reuse of the other materials in the bulbs. All components of a fluorescent bulb – glass, metals, and other materials – can be recycled!

Halogen light bulbs do not use mercury so are not hazardous and can be disposed of as regular trash. The Haz Waste Program accepts compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, neon lights, ultraviolet lamps, and Green Fluorescent bulbs and tubes at hazardous waste collection sites. But we only accept up to ten light bulbs per visit – if you have more than ten, you can take ten bulbs to an authorized Light Recycle Washington collection site or contact EcoLights. Put bulbs in a bag or closed container to keep broken glass from spreading. 

Even more e-waste? Repair, donate, or recycle

If possible, try to repair your old electronic product. Before you get rid of your old TV, computer, or other electronic device, you can search for online video or blog tutorials for tips on how to upgrade or repair it. If your device is working and in good condition, someone else may be able to use it.

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) resource page for donating or recycle electronics

• Computer reuse ideas from Earth911 

• Cellphones and other Smart Devices
  Some cellphone providers offer trade-in, buy-back, and recycling programs for old cellphones. Visit the EPA website to find a list of companies that will recycle your cellphone or smart device. Remember to delete all personal information before recycling. 
  
  
• Computers and Laptops
  Recycle for free at all E-Cycle WA locations. HP and Dell also offer free drop-off locations for computers and laptops. Remember to delete all personal information before recycling. 
  
  
• Computer Accessories
  The E-Cycle WA Program does not recycle these items, but stores like Best Buy and Staples will recycle keyboards, printers, and toner cartridges at no charge.  
  
  
• Televisions
  Most E-Cycle WA locations will recycle old TVs. Call ahead to ask about badly damaged TVs before heading to a drop off center.  
  
  
• Video Game Consoles
  Several drop-off locations will recycle your old video game console for a small fee. Visit 1800.recycle.wa.gov to check locations available for drop-off.