How to Recycle Your Electronics
By Woody Dresden, IT Coordinator of Network & Telecom Cable & Wiring Services
Recycling or reusing electronic devices empowers you because you move from being part of the disposal problem, to becoming part of the solution. Through the recycling process, you reduce the amount of energy and raw materials required to manufacture new products, while preventing harmful materials from damaging our environment. Local city and county recyclers make disposal easy: Drop off devices at the Valparaiso Compost Site.
Every year tons of electronic equipment containing hazardous materials is disposed of improperly in household garbage destined for landfills. Most computer equipment becomes outdated anywhere from one to five years after its purchase. The average life of a cell phone is only eighteen months. In 2005 approximately 130 million cell phones went out of service and were discarded. e.Scrap Indiana reports that 40 million computers and televisions are discarded in the United States every year, with Indiana Hoosiers discarding 1.2 million computers and televisions annually.
Over time, hazardous materials leak out of these electronic devices polluting the environment. Therefore, electronic devices should not be disposed of in landfills or incinerated. Several toxins that may be contained in electronic equipment are lead (found in older computer monitors, televisions, and circuit board solder), mercury (found in computer displays and LCD televisions), cadmium (found in batteries, resistors, and semiconductors), hexavalent chromium (used to prevent corrosion or harden steel housing and devices), and brominated flame retardants (used mainly in plastic housing of electronic devices).
These compounds can bind to soil and sediment, as well as accumulate in aquatic organisms. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that at least 4 pounds of lead is contained in an old computer monitor or television! Since toxic metals are persistent--meaning that they are not naturally broken down in the environment--they can accumulate in various organs of the human body and interfere with normal function of the body’s cells. These metals can also build up in plants and animals in the food chain.
What are the “best practices” to follow for your situation? These resources will help you find locations and programs you need for the satisfaction of "going green" when you get rid of that clunker monitor or TV.
Valparaiso Public Works: Valparaiso residents may recycle their personal electronics through Valparaiso’s recycling program.
Porter County: Porter County residents may recycle their personal electronics through Porter County’s recycling program. Drop off electronics at the Valparaiso Compost site. Follow Lincolnway west out of town. The site is on the right. Call 465-3694 for more information.
EPA: Web site provides detailed information about recycling, nationwide retailers, and charity donation and recycling programs.
e.Scrap Indiana.: Web site provides detailed information about recycling, Indiana retailer and charity donation and recycling programs.
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