Environmental Protection Agency: Electronics Donation and Recycling

Electronics donation and recycling is a great way to help conserve resources and natural materials.

It is important to make sure you are donating and/or recycling electronics safely and correctly.

On this page:

Why Donate or Recycle Electronics

Electronic products are made from valuable resources and materials, including metals, plastics, and glass, all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Donating or recycling consumer electronics conserves our natural resources and avoids air and water pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions that are caused by manufacturing virgin materials.

For example:

  • Recycling one million laptops saves the energy equivalent to the electricity used by more than 3,500 US homes in a year.
  • For every million cell phones we recycle, 35 thousand pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered.

  • For your computer or laptop, consider upgrading the hardware or software instead of buying a brand new product.
  • Delete all personal information from your electronics.
  • Remove any batteries from your electronics, they may need to be recycled separately.
  • Check for recycling facilities EXIT in your state or community.

Where to Donate or Recycle

Manufacturers and retailers offer several options to donate or recycle electronics. Search below to find programs developed by Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Electronics Challenge participants. If you are an original equipment manufacturer or retailer, learn how to join the SMM Electronics Challenge. Participation in the SMM Electronics Challenge is voluntary. EPA does not endorse any of the participants or their products and services.

Search by Electronic Device or Company

The following links exit the site EXIT

 

Related Information

Check out our Secret Life of a Smart Phone infographic.

Our Certified Electronics Recyclers page explains what it means to be a certified recycler.


Science Topics
Conservation & Sustainability, Electricity, Waste
Middle School, High School
6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
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The Secret Life of a Smart Phone (PDF)(1 pg, 7 MB)

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