Friday, March 18, is Global Recycling Day. A day to remind all of us of the importance of recycling and how we can do our part. As an organization, we regularly recycle devices ranging from servers to workstations to phones. In addition, we are sharing with you some tips on how to dispose of your electronics or e-waste safely and thoughtfully.

What is E-Waste?

The UN Environment Program defines e-waste as any electrical or electronic equipment that has been disregarded, whether working or broken. Common examples of e-waste include cell phones, tablets, computers, TVs, video games, microwaves, printers, and cords and cables. E-waste is the fastest-growing solid-waste stream in the world, but less than 25% of all electronic waste is recycled in the United States; the rest is incinerated or goes to landfills. Fortunately, almost 100 percent of e-waste is recyclable. Plastic, metal, glass, palladium, copper, silver, and even gold parts can be recovered and reused. For example, according to the EPA, 35 thousand pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold, and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered for every million cell phones we recycle.

What is the best way to Dispose of Your E-Waste?

Some might think throwing an old monitor or even a few batteries into the garbage isn’t a big deal, but the truth is that it can have long-lasting impacts on the environment. Improperly disposing of e-waste in landfills allows things like lead, arsenic, and flame retardants to seep directly into the soil. That is why it is best to let those who know how to dispose of e-waste safely do so with the most negligible environmental impact. So where should you recycle your old equipment?

  1. You can search for a certified e-waste recycling center near you.
  2. You can explore the trade-in programs your vendors offer when you upgrade.
  3. Drop off your equipment at your city or town’s recycling day.
  4. Donate to a non-profit, library, or school.
  5. Check with the big box stores; many of them offer electronic recycling.

Protect Yourself!

Believe it or not, your old, unwanted electronic devices are a treasure trove for thieves. While they may want the devices themselves, they likely want your devices for the sensitive information they may contain. The data they can use for nefarious purposes. So, before you dispose of your technology, please take a few steps to protect yourself.

  1. Back-Up Your Data. Before erasing anything, securely back up your data by leveraging the convenience and security of the cloud.
  2. Remember to transfer or cancel software subscriptions.
  3. Remove any attached storage. Remove any memory cards, SIM cards, DVD drives, card readers, USP ports, or external storage.
  4. You can disconnect the device from your online accounts. Within the app, under Privacy and Settings, Security and Login disconnect from the device.
  5. Delete the data. To prevent anyone from accessing your data in the future, it is crucial that you make sure all your data has been permanently erased (also known as sanitizing) from the device.
  • Computers: Use disk cleaning software to permanently remove or overwrite the data stored on a computer’s hard drive.
  • Smartphones and tablets: Perform a hard or factory reset. This will return the device to its original, out-of-the-box settings. You can also use this method for digital cameras, video game consoles, and media players.

Note: While many recycling facilities say they will erase your data, for your peace of mind, it is best you do it yourself or have someone you trust to do it.

E-waste is the fastest-growing source of trash. Every year, US residents and businesses discard approximately 100 million cell phones, over 41 million computers, and over 20 million TV sets by throwing them into landfills when they become broken or outdated. Next time you dispose of your old laptop, remember that according to the EPA, recycling 1 million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by 3,657 U.S. homes in a year. So today is a good day to remind ourselves to do our part and help our environment by properly recycling our unwanted technology.