Home > All Issues > Promote Smart Energy Use and Stop Global Warming > Recycle your electronic waste!

Recycle your electronic waste!

Jan 27, 2008

Replacing a computer, television, fax machine? Read this before you toss it to the curb! Your electronics contain possibly hazardous materials that should be recycled.

Everywhere we look, it is obvious that the new flat-screen TVs are the new thing to own. Here are a couple of things you should keep in mind before buying and installing that new television or other electronic device, including your cell phone. First, make sure you dispose of your old one properly!

Do not dump your your electronic trash to the curb!

According to Earth911.org, "Electronic circuit boards, batteries, and color cathode ray tubes (CRTs) can contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium. If improperly handled or disposed, these toxins can be released into the environment through landfill leachate or incinerator ash." So don't throw them away. Follow these guidelines instead:

• Reuse - Donate your old television to a charity such as Hubbard House, Goodwill, or another charity.
• Recycle - Duval County safely recycles electronic wastes both at their recycling center and at mobile sites during the year. Find a recycling site.
  St. Johns County also safely recycles electronic waste. Visit their website for a recycling schedule.

Or you can visit Earth911.org and use their search engine to find an electronics recycling facility near you.

What about my old cell phone?

Funny you should ask! Your old cellular phone can be recycled for cash for the Sierra Club! Just bring it to any general meeting or contact Ed Schlessinger, (904) 733-8148 (office) for instructions on how to recycle it to benefit Sierra Club.