Go Green: How to Recycle Electronics

Every year tons of electronic waste (e-waste) is generated from discarded computers, laptops, cell phones, video game consoles, TVs, DVD players and other electronic equipment. According to EPA, a staggering 20 to 50 tons of e-waste is produced annually. When e-waste reaches landfills, the toxic materials used in semiconductors, batteries, etc. leak out into the environment making it dangerous for the ecosystem. For instance, contamination of water with e-waste materials like lead, arsenic, cadmium, fire retardants, etc. is a serious hazard.

While conscious efforts are on to migrate towards responsible handling of e-wastes and a greener planet, no true progress can be made without the involvement of the end-consumer. All of us need to be aware of this social responsibility and we must go green with our old electronics.

Here are some tips on how you can recycle electronics in an eco-friendly manner.

• Reuse of electronics is one way to keep the useful life of devices longer. If your devices are in good working condition, simply use them. Avoid upgrading them frequently. This will also save you money.

• Donate usable electronics to the under-privileged. Many charities like Salvation Army collect electronic items and give them to the needy or they refurbish and resell them to raise funds or their charitable works. Some charities donate the goods to the needy people in developing and under-developed countries. Some charities get carbon credits for responsibly disposing off e-waste and they sell it to raise money.

• If your device is broken and cannot be repaired, you only option is to recycle the electronics. The government's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/live.htm has established easy ways to go green with the e-waste. They provide e-waste recycling programs in different location. Programs like Earth 911, My Green Electronics, Electronic Industries Alliance's Consumer Education Initiative , TechSoup, Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) recycle certain specific types of e-waste and each provides collection centers for specific types of e-waste. When you have something to dispose, you just need to go to a local center and drop it off.

In future buy green electronics manufactured in an environmentally conscious manner. Look for energy efficient models, devices with less toxic chemicals and more recycled materials and goods with minimal packaging.