Scrap Electronics Recycling FAQs

Electronic waste (e-waste) includes products that are unwanted, broken or obsolete. Technology is evolving quickly, which means that electronic products are losing value every day.

E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the United States, and produces approximately 3 to 5 percent of all waste annually. Electronic recycling has the ability to change this, through the reuse and refining of electronic components to create new products.

The result is fewer raw materials harvested from the earth, reduced gas emissions, less pollution and lower energy consumption.

About 2.37 tons of electronic waste were produced during 2009. Electronic devices contain valuable metals, such as gold, copper and platinum. Throwing these items away results in the additional harvesting of energy and natural resources.

Improperly discarded electronics may also create a problem, with metals leaching into the ground. As a result, groundwater contamination may occur with serious implications for humans and animals.

E-recycling assists with solving this problem. It reduces greenhouse gasses and energy consumption. For example, recycling one million laptops saves the equivalent amount of energy as powering 3,657 homes annually, according to the EPA.

E-recycling saves New York businesses money, and allows them to turn unused items into a profit center. For example, a company might have a room full of old electronic equipment. Instead of paying for removal of these items, the company can use an e-recycler and earn compensation.

The majority of scrap electronics contain harmful substances, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium and flame retardants. These substances are harmful to the environment and have been shown to pose human health risks if mismanaged at their end-of-life. This may include birth defects, brain, liver, heart, kidney and nervous system issues. E-recycling reduces the amount of harmful waste in the environment.