How to Properly Recycle Your Old Electronics
As technology advances at lightning speed, it’s easy to accumulate old, unused electronics, phones, laptops, printers, and more sitting in drawers or closets collecting dust. But tossing them in the trash isn’t the answer. Electronics often contain materials that are harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. That’s where e-waste recycling comes in.
At Reliable Recycling Center, we’re committed to helping you recycle your electronics the right way. Here’s a simple guide to properly recycling your old devices:
1. Don’t Just Toss It
Take inventory of your old electronics. This might include:
- Cell phones and tablets
- Laptops and desktops
- Printers and fax machines
- Keyboards, mice, and cables
- Routers, modems, and other networking equipment
- Small household electronics
Many of these contain valuable components like copper, aluminum, and gold as well as potentially hazardous materials such as lead and mercury.
2. Wipe Your Personal Data
Before you recycle any device, make sure to remove all personal information.
- Phones and tablets: Perform a factory reset.
- Computers: Wipe the hard drive or use software to securely erase data.
- External drives: Reformat or physically destroy if you’re extra cautious.
This protects your privacy and ensures your sensitive data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
3. Bring Your Electronics to a Trusted Recycling Facility
Not all recycling centers are equipped to handle electronics. At Reliable Recycling Center, we accept a wide range of electronic devices and ensure they’re processed safely and responsibly.
We partner with certified downstream processors who dismantle electronics for component recovery and proper disposal of hazardous materials, so you can feel good knowing your e-waste is being handled the right way.
4. Know What’s Not Accepted
Some items may require special handling or be restricted:
- CRT televisions or monitors
- Batteries (lithium, alkaline, etc.)
- Fluorescent light bulbs
If you’re unsure whether we can accept a specific item, just give us a call and we’re happy to help you figure it out.
5. Make It a Habit
Instead of letting old electronics pile up, make a habit of recycling regularly. Whether you’re upgrading your home office or just cleaning out the garage, Reliable Recycling Center is your go-to local solution for responsible e-waste disposal.
Recycle Smart. Recycle Local.
Reliable Recycling Center has proudly served the Frederick, MD community for decades. We make it easy and convenient to recycle your electronics and do your part for the planet.
