6 Common Kinds of Electronics You Can Recycle

Devices light our homes, entertain us, and keep us connected with the world. Yet, everything has an expiration date and eventually must be disposed of. But e-waste, or electronic waste, is different from other waste and must follow proper disposal protocols.

A United Nations study found that only 17.4% of the 53.6 metric tonnes of e-waste produced in 2019 was properly recycled. And with new gadgets constantly entering the marketplace, global e-waste production is expected to grow to nearly 75 metric tons by 2030.

Almost every electronic device in your home is recyclable, meaning you can prevent your electronics from ending up in landfills and slowly leaking toxins. Below are six common kinds of electronics you should always recycle instead of tossing in the trash.

Smartphones

Smartphones have an average lifespan of just 2.5 years. But their components remain valuable long after that time. The plastic from cell phones can be melted down and reused. The precious metals can also be reused for circuit boards in new phones. While you’re recycling your old smartphone in South Dakota, you can also recycle your old iPods, mp3 players, and cameras.

Computers

When it’s time to upgrade your desktop or laptop in Sioux Falls, don’t let the old one go to waste, and certainly don’t just throw it away. Practically every computer part can be recycled, and the battery must be disposed of correctly by professionals.

Light Bulbs

Believe it or not, even some kinds of light bulbs can be broken down and recycled, but only by a certified e-waste recycler. You should never put light bulbs in your home recycling bin, as curbside recycling is only meant for specific common recyclables like paper, cardboard, and metal cans. Some examples of light bulbs that e-waste professionals can recycle include the following:

• Halogen and incandescent
• Fluorescent tubes
• CFL
• HID
• UV lamps
• Neon

However, you should always confirm that the recycling center you go to can process the type of light bulbs you have. In Sioux Falls, the City offers a free drop off center for residents.

Computer Accessories

Anything plugged into or connected to your computer can be recycled. This includes your mouse, keyboard, speakers, power cables, and even your printer and ink cartridges.

Gaming Consoles

Got the latest console and don’t know what to do with your old one? Old, broken gaming consoles and accessories can be recycled and the metals and plastics reused. Headsets, controllers, and old games can all be diverted from landfills and made into something new.

Batteries

Different batteries have different disposal requirements, but e-waste recycling centers can recycle most types of batteries for you, including:

• Nickel-based
• Lithium-ion
• Lead-acid

Even single-use AA batteries are better off being recycled by a professional than tossed in your household trash. Depending on where you live, you may be legally required to recycle old batteries. In Sioux Falls, there is a city ordinance that requires you to keep electronics out of your garbage can.

Call SEAM for E-Waste Disposal

Chances are that you have a pile e-waste to get rid of right now. If you’re a business in North Dakota or South Dakota, you can bring your e-waste over to the experienced team at SEAM. They can safely dispose of any of the abovementioned electronics and more. If you’re a resident, Sioux Falls offers free electronics recycling at their year-round drop off facility too!