While many companies offer recycling services at a cost, more are beginning to provide free recycling of electronics waste, or e-waste as it is sometimes called. The most common definition for e-waste is any electronics device which is being sold, donated, or discarded for the purpose of reuse, salvage, recycling, or disposal.

The reason a growing majority of companies are offering free recycling of electronics is that used electronics equipment, such as televisions, cell phones, digital cameras, and computers presents a hazard to our environment. Many of the materials used to make the components in such devices, such as mercury and toxic chemicals, are hazardous to personal health as well as the environment. Should electronics equipment end up in our landfills, these substances leach into the soil and when they are crushed or melted, the released fumes are quite toxic.

Free recycling of electronics is therefore very important.

While many consumers realize the need for recycling and proper disposal of e-waste, most are unwilling to pay for doing so. Some corporations which manufacture these products will do so for $20 per device, but a growing number are offering to do so for free, or even providing a discount on new purchases in exchange for used equipment.

Unfortunately, there are restrictions on such programs. Companies like Sony will take in old devices but only of their brand and place a limit of five such items per day which can be turned in. The number of facilities where equipment can be returned is quite small, as well.

Hazardous Waste or Commodity?

Many states are considering legislation which regulates disposal of e-waste; only a few, such as California, Arkansas, and Maine, have actually implemented such laws. Part of the problem in deciding how to word such legislation is the debate between whether used and outdated electronics are categorized as ‘waste’ or ‘commodities’. Because so much of the metals used in computers and other equipment, such as copper, gold, silver, and even platinum can be extracted and recycled, categorizing e-waste as a commodity means it can be refurbished.

Many foreign manufacturers resist this categorization as it allows for other companies to reuse their components and resell it as a refurbished device thereby cutting into their profits.

Most agree that the best solution to the problem of excessive e-waste is to offer free recycling of electronics. Consumers are more likely to recycle their devices if they can do so for free.

This prevents hazardous waste from ending up in landfills. Facilities which gather and transport electronics devices to recycling centers can make a profit by selling the reusable components. Recycling entities can turn unwanted and outdated equipment into new products.

Free recycling of electronics results in a win-win situation for all involved.

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Technology is great and most Americans these days could hardly imagine living without the many benefits from computers, cell phones, digital cameras and the like, however the rapid development of technology also means that there is a great need for electronics recycling programs.

Well over half of all American households own at least one computer.

This is in addition to the number of adjuncts such as monitors, printers, etc., cell phones which are replaced nearly every year, iPods and PDAs, digital cameras – the list goes on and on. In fact, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) citing a study from the Consumer Electronics Association, Americans are the proud owners of an average 24 such products per household.

Every year new technology is identified which makes these electronics devices obsolete. Consequently, there are a potential 24 devices each year, if not sooner, which get replaced.

The EPA is doing its best to educate Americans on the importance of reusing and recycling electronics equipment and how to do so safely.

While many state government agencies, retailers, and manufacturers are stepping up by providing electronics recycling programs, they are not completely filling the void created by ever-growing piles of hazardous waste. As well, many states in our country are passing legislation which specifically regulates the disposal of electronics. California has even instituted landmark legislation which decreed several years that anyone purchasing an electronics device must pay an additional cost which covers the fee for its later disposal.

What You Can Do

If you are entrepreneurial type, you may want to consider starting your own business with electronics recycling programs. This is the most direct action you can take to help preserve our environment and partner with your state stay in complying with federal regulations.

If you are unsure if this is an option you want to consider, start by taking a look at the current need in your community.

Are there electronics recycling programs already in place? How many facilities can handle taking in used and outdated electronics equipment? Are there any private companies which already offer these services and if so, are there enough of them to properly serve the community? What about businesses in your area? Do they have an easy way to recycle their old equipment? Depending on the answers to your research, this will tell you just how much business you may expect by starting your own electronics recycling firm.

After you’ve determined need, you will want to carefully investigate the rules and regulations in place for qualified entities in your state. Surprisingly, compliance with state laws is usually fairly easy and uncomplicated.

Finally, get started with your own electronics recycling programs. The time is optimal and if conditions in your community are right, you can be in business and making a profit in no time.