Recycling Electronics

When I work with clients, I do whatever I can keep their “items to toss” out items out of landfill. I prefer going green, especially when it’s easy to do and does not create extra work for others. So I always keep my eyes open for new recycling programs.

Often I’ll find out about them by accident or by hearing about them from other people. For example, I recently noticed that my local Best Buy now has boxes lined up in front of the store to drop off DVDs/CDs and cases, old power cords, cell phones and other small electronics. All of those items are directed to a warehouse to be taken apart and recycled in environmentally conscious ways. It makes me happy to know I can share that with my clients instead of adding their items to the trash. Best Buy will even take big electronic items such as laptops, TVs, desktop computers and more in the customer service area, for free or for a small fee. Sometimes the store offers customers a discount rate on a replacement item in exchange. Ask beforehand, though, as this policy only applies to some items).
I am happy to recycle or safely dispose of unwanted small electronics for clients and let them know their options for what to do with bigger items. Do you have any tips on other places that take electronics for recycling?

EDITED TO ADD:

A client has called to my attention to an interview NPR ran about a year ago on the recycling method used by Best Buy and many other organizations that offer electronics drop boxes. Although the commercial recyclers they use keep the old electronics and their hazardous materials out of American landfill and ensure that the reusable parts are recycled, you should be aware most of the collected items are shipped to third world countries where the electronics are sorted and broken down by workers in unhealthy and unsafe conditions. To learn more about this story, “After Dump, What Happens To Electronic Waste?” For transcript version.

The same report mentioned an organization called e-Stewards that holds strict standards for USA recycling companies and maintains a list of recyclers who use safe methods and do not send the waste overseas. To find a certified company by you, click here.

I would like to thank the anonymous client who brought this to my attention.