Issues to Consider for Used Electronics Recycling or Reuse

The DNR encourages individuals, businesses and institutions to recycle computers and computer accessories, cell phones, TVs and other electronic equipment whenever possible. Starting in January 2010, manufacturers will be responsible for collecting and recycling certain electronics from households and K-12 public schools in Wisconsin. Businesses and institutions must either recycle discarded electronics or manage them as a hazardous waste.

Below are some issues to consider when looking for recycling and reuse options in your area.

• What types of electronics do you have?

  Not all recyclers will take all types of electronics. Some equipment, such as cell phones, can often be recycled at retail stores, and some electronics manufacturers offer take-back programs for old equipment. If you have several different electronics to recycle, you may want to look for a recycler that will take a wide range of equipment. For more help on finding an electronics recycler, visit Computers and Other Electronics.

• What condition are the electronics in--broken, obsolete, working but no longer needed, etc.?

  If computers or other electronics are in good working condition, you may be able to donate them to a school, nonprofit or other organization. Be sure to check with the school or organization to make sure the equipment will be useful to them. If electronic equipment is broken or obsolete and cannot be reused, it can still be recycled.

• Are you recycling household electronics, electronics used in a home office, or electronics from a business or institution?

  Different recyclers may specialize in serving different types of customers. Some may work primarily with businesses and institutions seeking to recycle a high volume of equipment, while others may accept individual computers, TVs and other electronics from households. Be aware that there are also different requirements for managing discarded electronics for households, home offices, businesses and institutions. For more information, visit Computers, TVs and Other Electronics.

• What will it cost to recycle used electronics?

  Once Wisconsin's electronics recycling law is fully implemented, some electronics recycling may be free to Wisconsin households and K-12 public schools. Until then, and in some cases after the law takes effect, you may need to pay a small fee to recycle your electronics, depending on the equipment's age, resale value, scrap value and cost of recycling. Current fees typically range from $10 to $25 for a TV or computer.

• What recycling and reuse options are available in your area?

  Currently, recycling options vary widely by location, especially outside of large metropolitan areas. See Computers, TVs and Other Electronics for suggestions on finding a recycler in your area.

  Once Wisconsin's electronics recycling law has been fully implemented, recycling facilities should be widely available throughout the state. Additional incentives for manufacturers to provide service in rural areas should boost recycling availability in rural areas in particular. The DNR will maintain a Web site with information on registered recyclers and collectors, along with collection events and drop-off locations.

• What is your timeline for disposal?

  Sometimes the easiest recycling option, especially for households, is a local electronics collection event, which may take place only once or twice a year. To recycle your electronics more quickly, consider one of the options above.

• What personal information or other data are stored on your electronics?

  For computers in particular, making sure any personal, financial or other sensitive data are erased is an important concern. Make sure your recycler has a good system in place for erasing this data. You can also find free or inexpensive software to "wipe" your hard drive (just deleting files won't protect you)--ask a computer software retailer for more information.

Contact Information

For questions and comments about Used Electronics Recycling/Reuse Issues, please contact:

DNR Waste Materials@Wisconsin.gov