Think Globally
Plug-In to eCycling
Plug-In To eCycling with U.S. EPA is a partnership between the EPA and consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers to offer consumers more opportunities to donate or recycle — to “eCycle” — their used electronics.
Plug-In To eCycling Summary
- Provides consumers with information on how and where they can donate or to safely recycle old electronics, namely TVs, computers and cell phones.
- Facilitates partnerships with communities, electronics manufacturers, and retailers to promote shared responsibility for safe electronics recycling.
- Establishes pilot projects to test innovative approaches to safe electronics recycling.
See the list of Plug-In Partners where you can recycle your used electronics. Partners design and implement various approaches — either national or regional in scope — to give consumers eCycling options. They may:
- Offer online takeback or trade-in programs;
- Create partnerships with local organizations to facilitate collections;
- Host collection events at retail locations; or
- Support local recycling events with cities and municipalities.
Reuse It!
When you outgrow your computers, cell phones and other equipment, and pass them onto new users, that’s reuse.
- The equipment should be in working condition;
- It’s best to pass on computers, printers, and other IT equipment that are under 5 years old — if possible with their original software and licensing;
- Make sure that you clean off personal information on any equipment.
Recycle It
If donation for reuse or repair is not a viable option, households and businesses can send their used electronics for recycling.
Many local governments offer computer and electronics collections as part of household hazardous waste collections, special events, or other arrangements. Check the Earth 911 recycling locator box at the top of this page to find special events in your area.
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
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