Green Tip: Properly Disposing of E-Waste

In 2003, California became the first state to an enact a law requiring regarding proper disposal of Electronic Waste. Since then 25 states have followed suite, mandating that electronic waste, including old televisions and computers, be disposed of properly. These laws seek to prevent electronic waste and the harmful chemicals they contain , such as lead, mercury, cadmium, BFRs and PVC, from leeching into ecosystems or adversely affecting human life.

The NYS Electronic Equipment Recycling and Reuse Act was signed into law on May 28, 2010, and outlaws electronic waste from being placed in a landfill in New York State. As a result of this law, New York residents can face heavy fines for throwing old electronics into the garbage, but they can also more easily recycle electronics in an environmentally responsible manner thanks to over 60 e-waste recycling sites throughout New York.

Throughout the state, many E-waste recycling facilities are accessible everyday, however certain sites are open for certain windows of time, so be sure to check out the hours of your local site to ensure proper and timely service.

In New York City, you can arrange to have e-waste picked up from your apartment, making it easily and convenient to get rid of old electronics.

Another form of electronic waste is lighting and used light bulbs. Compact fluorescent (CFL) lights contain small amounts of mercury, therefore cannot be disposed of in a normal landfill. Home Depot, Ikea, and Lowes accept used light bulbs and will recycle them accordingly.

Help reduce electronic waste and contamination from the harmful chemicals it contains by properly disposing it a site throughout New York.