How to Sustainably Dispose of Electronics Properly and Safely

Many people have old or outdated electronics sitting around their homes and not being used, so it makes sense that they might wonder how to dispose of them. However, because of how electronics are made, it might not be as simple as throwing them in the trash. They often aren’t accepted by standard garbage collectors, and you might cause harm to the environment if you discard them incorrectly. We have a guide on how to dispose of electronics properly and safely that you can use.

A study in 2021 showed that almost 17% of consumers threw their electronics away in their garbage/regular recycling

Prepare for Disposal

In the case of personal electronics like computers and smartphones, you’ll want to remove as much personal data as possible from them before disposal. This way, you won’t be opening yourself and anyone who’s used them to data theft or breaches of privacy. The easiest way is to wipe the hard drives completely, and it shouldn’t take long to get them completely blank. Be sure to remove any batteries, as well, since they can contain the most hazardous materials.

Common E-Waste Items

The term “e-waste” is used to identify electronic products that you no longer have a need/use for and are meant to be tossed. You may have some items in your home that are e-waste and are unsure of how to dispose of properly. We’ll include a list of some common e-waste products that you may be holding on to:

Can You Throw A TV in a Dumpster?

You may be preparing to clear out some unwanted items from your home, and what better way to cleanout your home than with a dumpster rental? While dumpster's are great for cleanouts, there are some items that cannot go in a dumpster. For those asking if you can throw a TV in a dumpster, the answer is, unfortunately, you cannot put a TV in a dumpster.

Electronic devices and other e-waste must be disposed of separate from other items that may end up at a landfill or recycling center, as these facilities may not have the abilit to properly dispose of e-waste. While you cannot throw a TV in a dumpster, you do have other options for e-waste disposal, such as donating to nonprofits or dropping them off at recycling programs.

Check for Local Collection

Depending on where you live, you may be able to leave your electronics in curbside bins or containers to be disposed of by your local garbage collectors or dumping services. However, because electronics are full of potentially toxic metals and materials, many places ban them from landfill deposits. These substances can leech into soil and pass into local water supplies, so electronic waste can quickly become a concern in many areas. Check the laws for your city or town before leaving anything on your curb.

Find a Hazardous Waste Center

If you can’t throw electronics away with the rest of the trash, try to find a hazardous waste facility that will accept them. There they’ll be disassembled safely without any risk to you or the surrounding area. This is a preferred option for those with small amounts of electronics, but you should be able to discuss larger disposals with staff members.

Consider Donation

For everyone wondering how to dispose of electronics, donating them is a fantastic way to get rid of them. Community programs, national organizations, and educational centers are just a few of the places that might take your electronics for a worthy cause. This mainly refers to electronics that aren’t too old and still work properly, but different programs will have different needs. Some accept more than others, so take care to determine what they’re looking for before trying to drop anything off. This way, you’ll make a difference while decluttering.

Try Recycling The E-Waste You No Longer Need

Electronics recycling is an eco-conscious choice that not only benefits the environment but also maximizes the utility of your old devices. By responsibly disposing of your electronics, you help reduce e-waste and minimize the harmful impact on our planet. Many retailers now offer electronics recycling programs, incentivizing customers with trade-ins or discounts on new purchases.

Local drop-off centers and municipal drives make recycling your old electronics accessible, and some areas even offer state-sanctioned pickups to streamline the process. Take a moment to explore nearby electronics businesses, charitable organizations, and regional recycling sites to discover the most convenient and eco-friendly options for electronics recycling in your area.

Where to Recycle Electronic Devices

One of the best ways to get rid of your old electronics, is to take it to an organization that provides recycling programs for electronics and similar items. Many of these organizations will receive e-waste for free. Here is a list of organizations that receive free electronic recycling near you:

Sell Your Old Electronics

You won’t need to know how to dispose of electronics immediately if you can simply sell them. Assuming they’re in good shape, or parts of them are still viable, you may be able to find others who’ll take them off your hands for a fair price. Explore marketplace websites and social media outlets to get started on the process.

It's also possible to use companies that offer buyback services for electronics. They provide you a valuation for the item you wish to sell and if the money offer is to your liking, they will provide you with shipping details to have your old electronic sent off. Here are some companies that offer buyback services to help you sell your old electronic devices:

When it comes to affordable and convenient disposal options for non-recyclable items, a cheap dumpster rental is a great solution. Whether you need to dispose of hazardous waste or other materials that cannot be recycled, renting a dumpster allows for proper and responsible disposal. You can easily find local options for hazardous waste disposal near you, ensuring compliance with regulations and guidelines.

Dumpster rentals come in various sizes, including roll-off dumpsters, which are ideal for larger projects. By choosing the appropriate dumpster size, you can efficiently manage the disposal of non-recyclable items without any hassle. With a roll-off dumpster rental, you have the flexibility to handle different volumes of waste, making it a practical choice for residential needs.

While we at Bin There Dump That don’t accept electronic waste in our dumpsters, we’d be happy to help you figure out the best and most convenient ways to remove it. We are here to assist with the disposal of other items you need to toss. Our dumpsters come with specified weight limits and typical dimensions, making them ideal for various disposal needs. Our team also provides detailed delivery instructions to ensure a seamless experience. Contact your local Bin there Dump That Dumpster Consultant to discuss your options, and once you’re prepared, dispose of electronics responsibly. You may have other questions such as "how much does a dumpster cost?" or "how long can I rent a dumpster rental for?". Our friendly dumpster consultants can answer any and all dumpster related questions you may have!