How To Recycle Common Electronics

Most people recognize the importance of recycling due to the positive impact that it has had on the environment. However, when it comes to recycling electronics, more than the environment is at stake. Legal or legislative restrictions, security, and hazardous material are all factors to consider that should encourage the proper disposal of electronics. Let’s take a look at some common electronic items and why proper recycling is important.

Battery Back-ups
Commonly known as UPS or uninterruptable power supplies, battery back-ups are generally used to minimize the effect of power surges and to provide temporary electricity in the event of power failure. After serving their purpose, UPS batteries are actually considered hazardous waste and must be treated as such for recycling. They are considered such a hazard that only licensed companies are authorized to recover and recycle them.

Printers and Photocopiers
The proper recycling of obsolete printers and photocopiers  is critical. While they can contain hazardous materials, the real reason proper recycling is so critical is due to the information that they contain. Photocopiers and printers record each document they have printed and photocopied into their memory. This means that virtually any document ever printed or copied on a machine could potentially be retrieved. Consider the nature of some of that information, and it is easy to understand why ensuring your printers and photocopiers are properly recycled is so important.

CRT and TV Monitors
When recycled properly, these monitors contain glass, plastic and metals that can be reused in manufacturing. However, these CRT computer monitors and TV tubes also contain phosphors and oxides that need to be disposed of appropriately. Selecting an equipped electronics recycling center for these products can ensure that the most will be made of salvageable materials and that hazardous bi-products are disposed of properly.

Consumer Electronics
Many do not realize that consumer electronics contain recyclable materials. Consumer electronics include CD and DVD players, radios, video cameras, hi-fi equipment and televisions. Even outdated electronics like cassette players or VCRs can be recycled. While many of these items end up in the trash, a much better destination would be an appropriate electronics recycling center.

Electronic Toys and Leisure Equipment 
We tend to think of toys as just that – toys, playthings. However, many of today’s toys are built with sophisticated electronics that are recyclable. Video game consoles and controllers, electric trains and car racing sets are just a few of the electronic-based toys that can be recycled. 

Electrical Tools
An electronics recycling center can make the most out of your old electric drills, saws, and sanders. The metal and plastic casings, wiring, and motors all offer an opportunity for re-use through recycling. Sewing machines, vacuum cleaners, and even lawn mowers are all items that may be able to be recycled.

Featured images:

•  License: Creative Commons image source 
•  License: Creative Commons image source 

Chris Turberville-Tully works with Sims Recycling Solutions, http://www.simsrecycling.co.uk/.  They offer secure solutions for your electronics with facilities in England, Wales and Mainland Europe. Their centers can process over 300,000 tons of electronic waste each year.