Old electronics, or "e-waste," are one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. According to the UN's Global E-waste Monitor, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste was produced in 2022. That's enough to form a line of trucks that could circle the equator!
Why It's Harmful and Valuable
- Toxicity: The EPA warns that e-waste contains toxic materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leak into soil and water if not disposed of properly, posing a risk to human health and the environment.
- Hidden Treasure: E-waste also contains valuable materials. The UN notes that the e-waste generated in 2022 contained an estimated $91 billion worth of recoverable metals like gold, copper, and iron.
E-Waste Recycling in Washington State
Washington State has a robust program called E-Cycle Washington that makes it easy for residents to recycle their electronics for free. This program is a manufacturer-financed initiative that provides responsible recycling of computers, monitors, laptops, and televisions.
"E-Cycle Washington has recycled over one billion pounds of e-waste since 2009, preventing toxic materials from entering our landfills and environment." - WA Department of Ecology
- What's Accepted? The free program covers computers, laptops, monitors, tablets, e-readers, and televisions. Many locations also accept peripherals like keyboards and mice, though there may be a small fee.
- Find a Drop-off Location: To find an authorized collection site near you, visit the E-Cycle Washington website or call 1-800-RECYCLE.
King County Resources:
- "What do I do with...?" Tool: King County provides a powerful online search tool to help residents find the best disposal options for a wide variety of items, including electronics not covered by the state program.
- Factoria Recycling & Transfer Station (Bellevue): This is one of several locations in the county that accepts a broad range of recyclable materials, including e-waste, year-round.
The Solution: Community E-Recycling Drives
Organizing a community e-recycling drive is a tangible way to protect the environment and recover valuable resources. It's a perfect project for youth groups, teaching them about environmental stewardship, logistics, and community leadership all at once.
- Educate Your Community: Teach others about the importance of not throwing electronics in the regular trash.
- Coordinate Pickups: Use a tool like Community Care to map out pickup locations for old computers, phones, and other devices.
- Partner with Recyclers: Work with a certified E-Cycle Washington collector in your area to arrange a bulk drop-off, ensuring the items are processed safely and responsibly.