If you’re like the average American, you have electronics throughout your home. From smartphones and tablets to computers and smart TVs, modern electronics make life a lot easier. Unfortunately, throwing your old electronics in the trash can lead to serious environmental problems.
The good news is Corridor Recycling makes it easy to recycle electronics. Whether you’ve got an old TV you don’t use or a box full of old keyboards and mice, you can recycle them at our Long Beach recycling center. Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about recycling electronics.
What Is E-Waste?
E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to any discarded electronic devices or electrical components. If you have an old flatscreen TV or a laptop you don’t use anymore, that’s considered e-waste. Other examples of e-waste include smartphones, computer accessories, VCRs, and DVD players.
Why is e-waste a problem?
E-waste might not seem like an immediate concern. In fact, you may have thrown electronic devices in the garbage in the past. Unfortunately, improperly disposing of e-waste can cause several environmental problems.
Firstly, e-waste is considered hazardous waste because it contains toxic materials. Some e-waste can also release toxic chemicals if handled improperly. That means the old electronic devices you throw away can cause significant harm to the environment.
There’s also the issue of our limited natural resources. Precious metals are used to make key components in electronic devices, and we have a limited supply of these metals. When you throw away old electronic devices instead of recycling them, you’re further limiting our supply of precious metals.
Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003
The Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 was enacted by California to combat the e-waste problem. This act established funding for the collection and recycling of e-waste, making it more convenient for Californians to dispose of e-waste responsibly.
Anything that’s covered under the Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003 should be recycled at an e-waste recycling center. Our Long Beach recycling center is a convenient option for Californians.
What Electronics Can I Recycle?
If you have old electronics lying around your house, you might be wondering what you can recycle. Most electronic devices are considered e-waste, which means you can recycle them for free at our Long Beach recycling center. We’ll take an in-depth look at some of the most commonly recycled electronics below.
Televisions and monitors
There was a time when televisions cost thousands of dollars and were rarely replaced. With more affordable TVs hitting the market each year, more consumers are starting to upgrade regularly. If you recently upgraded to a new TV and you don’t have room for your old one, you can recycle it at an e-waste recycling center.
Computer monitors are also becoming more affordable and widely used. Monitors are a popular choice for gaming, but technology quickly changes and regular upgrades are essential. When you upgrade to a new monitor, take your old monitor to a recycling center for proper disposal.
Remotes and accessories
Most of the accessories you use with your TV can also be recycled. Every TV comes with a remote, and they’re all recyclable. You can also recycle other accessories like sound bars, streaming devices, and cables. If you’re recycling an old TV, you may as well bring any unwanted accessories along for the ride.
Computers and computer peripherals
With the sharp increase in remote work and tech-focused jobs, computers are becoming an essential device for just about everyone. Unfortunately, many people are realizing that their old computers and laptops simply aren’t powerful enough to get the job done anymore. If you have an old computer or laptop — even if it runs slowly and has cosmetic damage — you can bring it to an e-waste recycling center.
You can also recycle all the peripherals that you might use with your PC. Here are some of the computer peripherals that are commonly recycled:
- Keyboards
- Mice
- Headphones
- Speakers
- Cables
- Dongles and receivers
- Outdated routers and modems
Cell phones and tablets
Smartphones have become a key part of the lives of people all over the world. Billions of people use smartphones globally, which has led to an increased demand for newer, more powerful devices. Every year or two, major smartphone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung release new smartphones that people line up for.
You can also recycle tablets at our e-waste recycling center. Whether you have a tablet that’s connected through a cellular provider or a simple tablet for home use, we can make sure the materials are put to good use.
VCRs and DVD players
VCRs and DVD players are considered relics today, but there are still plenty of these devices floating around. You can even find some new VCRs and DVD players still. If you have unwanted old devices, you can get rid of them at an e-waste recycling center.
With streaming services and devices, it’s easier than ever to ditch outdated technology and declutter your living room or home theater.
What Is Recycled E-Waste Used For?
When you bring your old electronic devices to our Long Beach recycling center, you might be wondering what happens to them. Let’s take a closer look at how the e-waste recycling process works.
First, we collect your old electronics at our recycling center. These electronics are sent to a certified electronics recycler who shreds and sorts them. Next, electronics undergo a dust extraction process to limit environmental degradation.
Magnetic separation is used to separate ferrous and non-ferrous metals, then water separation is used to separate glass and plastic components. Electronics undergo a final purification process before the precious metals and other elements are extracted.
These recycled materials are typically sold to other facilities for reuse.
Is There an E-Waste Recycling Fee?
If you’re new to e-waste recycling, you might be wondering how much it’s going to cost you. Lucky for you, you don’t have to pay a dime when you visit our Long Beach recycling center. We don’t charge any e-waste recycling fees, so you can dispose of all your old devices free of charge.
While we don’t charge a recycling fee, there is an e-waste recycling fee charged when you purchase certain electronics. These fees are used to fund e-waste recycling in California, so you’re simply taking advantage of the program you helped to fund when you recycle e-waste.
How to Recycle Your E-Waste
Recycling e-waste isn’t rocket science — especially when you visit Corridor Recycling. All you have to do is bring your unwanted electronic devices to us and we’ll take care of the rest. You can find a list of acceptable materials on our website. If you’re not sure if we can recycle your old electronic devices, feel free to contact us.
Get Rid of Unwanted Electronic Waste
Do you have unwanted e-waste taking up space in your home? Don’t throw it away — bring it to Corridor Recycling instead. Recycling e-waste helps us create a more sustainable future.
At Corridor Recycling, we make it easy to get rid of unwanted electronic devices. We’ll help you unload everything, and we recycle electronics at no cost to you. If you have any questions about getting started or what you can recycle, call us at (310) 835-9101 or visit our Long Beach recycling center.