16 electronics materials found
Find Electronics Recycling Centers Near You
Ready to recycle your electronics materials? Use our search tool to find nearby recycling centers that accept these items.
Electronics Recycling FAQ
Can I throw electronics in the regular trash?
No! Electronics contain hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium that can contaminate soil and groundwater. Most states have laws prohibiting e-waste in landfills. Always take electronics to certified e-waste recyclers or manufacturer take-back programs.
How do I protect my data before recycling electronics?
Always perform a factory reset and remove all personal data before recycling. For computers and phones, use data wiping software that meets DOD standards. Remove SIM cards and memory cards. For extra security, physically destroy hard drives or use certified data destruction services.
Are old electronics worth money?
Yes! Electronics contain valuable materials including gold, silver, copper, and rare earth metals. Smartphones can contain $1-2 of recoverable materials. Computer circuit boards have even more. Many recyclers pay for large quantities, and some manufacturers offer trade-in credits.
What happens to recycled electronics?
Certified e-waste recyclers manually dismantle devices to separate plastics, metals, glass, and circuit boards. Valuable materials are extracted and refined for reuse in new products. Hazardous components like batteries and mercury switches are safely disposed of. About 95% of electronics by weight can be recovered and reused.
Can I recycle broken or damaged electronics?
Absolutely! Recyclers accept electronics in any condition - broken screens, water damage, or non-functional devices. The recycling process focuses on material recovery, not functionality. Even completely broken electronics contain valuable recoverable materials.
Where can I recycle small electronics like cables and chargers?
Many electronics retailers (Best Buy, Staples) have drop-off bins for cables, chargers, and small electronics. Municipal e-waste collection events also accept these items. Check if your local recycling center has an e-waste drop-off area. Never throw cables in regular recycling - they contain copper and should go to e-waste facilities.