Electronics, and worst of all, CRT monitors that are found in old television sets represent 2% of the volume of our waste and 70% of the toxicity in our waste. It is the fastest growing portion of the waste stream
People often ask, 'Why can't I just put my electronics in the trash like I did my whole life?"
Fortunately we treasure our electronic devices and dispose of them as rarely as possible because they are much worse for the environment than most of the things we use.
Unfortunately the heavy metals in electronics cause cancer, and there is enough of that going around already. Communities that host landfills do not want these heavy metals seeping into their ground water.
Recognizing the hazardous impact of electronics on drinking water, 25 states prohibit the disposal of electronics in landfills as of January 1st, 2015 it is illegal to dispose of electronics with regular waste in New York State.
Electronics represent 2% of the volume of our waste and 70% of the toxicity. It is the fastest growing portion of the waste stream
You will find more statistics at Statista
People often ask, why can't I just put my electronics in the trash like I did in the past. Fortunately we treasure our electronic devices and dispose of them as rarely as possible because they are much worse for the environment than most of the things we use. Unfortunately the heavy metals in electronics cause cancer, and we have enough of that already. Recognizing the hazardous impact of electronics on their drinking water, 25 states prohibit the disposal of electronics in landfills. As of January 1st, 2015 it became illegal to dispose of electronics with regular waste in New York State.
Basel Action Network and the Electronics TakeBack Coalition are the go-to organizations for information about electronics recycling.
Manufacturers are required by law to pay the price to recycle electronics. It is free for consumers to drop off electronics for recycling at
- Salvation Army Thrift Stores
- Good Will Thrift Stores
- Best Buy
- Staples
Electronics Drop Off Locations in New York City
The Lower East Side Ecology Center's Gowanus Ewaste Warehouse in Brooklyn at 469 President at Nevins Street is open Tuesday - Saturday
The New York City Department of Sanitation offers more information on electronics recycling.
This handy widget helps locates electronics recyclers wherever you are.