4 minute read
Old Gadgets Taking Up Space? E-Cycle Them!
Sarah Murray
Sarah Murray is the DNR’s E-Cycle Wisconsin program coordinator.
Many Wisconsinites aren't sure what to do with their old gadgets, so these devices sit in closets and junk drawers until the end of time. In a 2021 DNR survey, 63% of households had at least one TV, computer, tablet or cellphone they no longer used.
The most common reasons for not recycling those electronics included not knowing where or how to do so, recycling cost, lack of convenient recycling locations and concerns about data security. But a solution might be simpler than you think.
Since 2010, the DNR has offered E-Cycle Wisconsin, a program created to make it easier to recycle TVs, computers, cellphones and related equipment for households and schools.
Each year, manufacturers of products covered by Wisconsin's electronics recycling law must pay for electronics to be recycled. Doing so keeps these devices — and the hazardous materials like lead, mercury, cadmium and flame retardants they may contain — out of landfills and the environment.
Recyclers refurbish some devices to give them a second life, helping conserve valuable resources for reuse. Other devices, like those that are too old or broken, are dismantled and shredded to recover metal, plastic and glass. In most cases, recyclers can reuse or recycle more than 90% of the materials in electronics.
Most electronics collected for recycling are processed right here in Wisconsin, supporting jobs at high-tech recycling facilities. Nearly all the rest are handled in neighboring states in the Midwest.
The work continues to make it easier to recycle electronics in Wisconsin. A new DNR grant program and increased funding from manufacturers have provided dozens of free recycling opportunities for eligible electronics, including TVs, in nearly half of Wisconsin's 72 counties. Last year, every county had at least one collection site or event registered with E-Cycle Wisconsin.
LEARN MORE
The DNR has all you need to know about recycling electronics, including tips for individuals and businesses and details on collection sites, events and mail-back programs registered with E-Cycle Wisconsin. Visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/ecycle to get started tackling your collection of dusty devices and tangled cords.
By The Numbers
• 400 million pounds of electronics have been recycled in Wisconsin since January 2010, or nearly 70 pounds per state resident.
• Approximately 56 million pounds of steel, 9 million pounds of aluminum and 23 million pounds of copper have been recycled.
• Of the estimated 25.2 million devices in Wisconsin homes, 7.6 million devices are not in use.
• Wisconsin has more than 400 permanent e-cycling collection sites and hundreds of short-term collection sites and events.
E-Cycling Made Easy
Here’s what you need to know when recycling electronics in Wisconsin.
WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?
• Find a map of local electronics collection sites and manufacturer mail-back programs at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1411. Check the map regularly for newly posted one-day events in spring, summer and fall.
• Don’t leave electronics on the curb or put them in a bin with regular recycling.
HAVE A PLAN FOR YOUR DATA.
• Back up files you want to keep before wiping data from your device.
• Check with device manufacturers, operating system providers and electronics retailers for specific instructions or software, such as factory resets, to help with data wiping and protection.
• Disconnect from web- or cloud-based services,
websites, etc., especially those tied to a credit card or bank account or that automatically sync or upload files.
• Get help if needed — many electronics retailers or repair shops offer data wiping services.
• Look for recyclers certified by the National Association for Information Destruction or with clear data protection procedures.
DOES YOUR DEVICE STILL HAVE VALUE?
• Trade-in options for items like phones and computers may offer small rebates or credits for newer items in good condition. Check retailer or manufacturer websites for options.
• Don’t donate items unless people would want them — no one really wants old tube-style TVs, even if they work.
YOU MAY NEED TO PAY A FEE.
• Although electronics manufacturers help fund recycling, properly managing hazardous and toxic materials is costly.
• Fees help cover costs like packaging, collection site staff time, data security procedures and transportation for programs that don’t have another way of covering these expenses.
