Aged or obsolete electronics should not be thrown away along with your normal garbage. Most electronics contain hazardous substances such as mercury or other heavy metals like lead or arsenic. These compounds, if introduced to municipal waste streams, can cause contamination of groundwater and soils. For more information on the hazards of electronic equipment, go to the EPA’s website.
In addition, many of these products can be re-used or re-furbished and offer a low cost alternative to new electronics for consumers. In San Mateo County, Goodwill will accept electronics and, when possible, clean and refurbish them for resale. If the equipment is not usable, Goodwill properly recycles it. St. Vincent de Paul also accepts electronics as do a number of other non-profits. In many cases pickup is available.
Even cell phones can be donated! Typically they are refurbished and sent to other countries for resale.
Take Action:
- San Mateo County’s Recycle Works has tons of information about electronic recycling. The site includes a list of local non-profits and agencies that recycle or accept unwanted but operational equipment for recycling.
- Goodwill has drop-off locations all over the Bay Area, including Belmont, Burlingame, Pacifica, San Mateo, Daly City, and Redwood City
- St. Vincent de Paul in San Mateo County will accept many electronics
- Parca accepts and picks up many electronic items
Photo:
Electronics waiting to be recycled and re-used
