Electronic and universal waste, such as fluorescent tubes and consumer batteries, are prohibited from the trash or landfill bin because they contain poisonous heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium that can pollute groundwater near landfills and pose harmful effects on public health.
These wastes include: batteries, fluorescent bulbs, computers, monitors, cords, phones, TVs, VCRs, DVD players, stereos, microwave ovens, or iPods.
Examples of E-Waste:
- CD-DVD players
- Cell phones
- Computer monitors (up to 4)
- Computer peripherals, including mice and keyboards
- Copiers
- Digital clocks
- Fax machines
- Hand-held electronics
- Microwaves and other small household appliances
- MP3 players
- Pagers
- Personal digital assistants
- Printers
- Stereos
- Telephones
- Televisions (up to 4)
- Video cassette recorders
DROP OFF
Your best option to dispose of electronic items is often (but not always) to take them back to a manufacturer. Some manufacturers will take back their old equipment for reuse or recycling:
Additional Resources: