Can You Throw Electronics in the Trash?
Electronics are constantly facing upgrades, new technology is on the rise, and devices that were popular five years ago are no longer in high demand. So, with new phones, computers, televisions, and just about every electronic device out there, the question is: where do the old ones go when replaced or broken?
You may keep your electronics until they break or when you finally want to get an upgraded version of them, but when there is no longer use for an item, can you throw electronics in the trash? The issue with throwing away electronics is the severe damage they can cause to the environment.
There is a proper way to rid yourself of these electronics that we no longer need, but first, let's look at why tossing them in a trash bag and calling it a day is a huge no.
What Is E-waste?
Before we can answer, "Can you throw electronics in the trash?” Let's discuss the question "What is e-waste?"
E-waste is the broken, damaged, or no longer needed laptop or microwave that you're throwing away. Electronics are referred to as e-waste because they are a very different kind of trash that can be dangerous if not disposed of properly.
But can you throw electronics in the trash? Electronics have toxic chemicals that cause damage to our air, and letting them waste underground is horrible for the environment. Their toxic materials seep into our soil, infecting the water, air, and wildlife around it.
What's even more dangerous is how easily it can spread from one area to another. It may start in the soil beneath the dump or landfill, but it doesn't take long to travel to groundwater and make its way into rivers and streams.
E-waste is becoming a vital issue in our world, and the solution is simple. Recycling e-waste is the only way to protect our environment, but only 20 percent is recycled. The rest is thrown away in the trash.
There is very little wiggle room, so while you should recycle electronics, it's crucial to know which electronics you should 100 percent never throw away in the trash. Not to mention, placing electronics in the garbage is illegal in some places, Pennsylvania being one of them.
What Electronics Should You Never Throw Away
In some cases, the question of "Can you throw electronics in the trash?" will be easier to answer if you narrow down the type of electronics. Some electronics are worse than others regarding the damage they can cause. You should always recycle electronics, but the following electronics raise questions.
Can Flat Screen TVs Go in the Trash?
No. TVs carry toxic chemicals like lead and cadmium-based phosphorus, especially old ones. When the glass on the screen breaks, these chemicals are released into the air and ground surrounding it.
Even new TVs aren't suitable to throw away. They contain similar chemicals, although less, so no matter the age of the device, it should be recycled or passed on to a neighbor or a thrift store.
Can Printers Go in the Trash?
No. Printers aren't even safe to create within factories, let alone thrown away to be destroyed and damage the wildlife around a landfill. The ink is not toxic but mixed with the chemicals found in the other electronics that get into water supplies. It can make a person sick.
Can LED Bulbs Go in the Trash?
You can throw LED bulbs in the trash. It is not against the law, as LEDs don't contain chemicals that would be considered a hazard.
However, these bulbs do contain glass. So, it may be best to recycle them since they have glass instead of throwing them away in the trash.
Can You Throw a Microwave in Trash?
No, you should not be throwing microwaves in the trash. They are classified as e-waste and can cause as much damage to the surrounding area as a cell phone or printer. In addition, microwaves are bad for the environment from the comfort of your home, let alone thrown out into wildlife.
How to Properly Recycle Electronics
Now that we've discussed the question, "can you throw electronics in the trash?" Let's go over how to do it properly. Electronics can’t go in the trash, and there is a proper way to dispose of electronics.
Before tossing these products aside, the most crucial task is erasing your information. Even though recycling these electronics can be picked up and read if you keep your information vulnerable. Also, remember to remove batteries from any devices that have them.
Due to the illegality of throwing away electronics in several states and the real dangers of these electronics being thrown out, there are several options and locations to take your electronics to discard them safely.
Bunch Your Discarded Electronics Together
If you're renovating and removing several different electronic appliances like TVs, microwaves, and computers, you should consider grouping them all in a recycling dumpster. However, if you have a small number of electronics or only one or two, it may be better to take them to a collection site.
Waste Collection Facilities
If you're ridding yourself of something small or an individual electronic, you can take it to a local waste collection facility. It is a city facility offered to you for free, but it becomes more difficult for you to bring your items there instead of getting them picked up.
Curbside Trash Day
Can you throw electronics in the trash for your regular neighborhood trash collection? See when they accept larger pieces of trash or recyclables. Unfortunately, some places don't have one, so check before you take your electronics to the curb, as you could result in a fine.
Recycle Your Electronics
So, can you throw electronics in the trash? Throwing away electronics is a massive do not. Not only is it dangerous for the soil and groundwater that can transfer to rivers and streams, but it can damage wildlife, pollute the air, and worsen our already depleting environment.
Recycling your electronics and keeping them out of landfills is essential to save our planet and protect the natural life we value.
It's simple to do and doesn't require money or little or no effort to recycle. Electronics do not belong in the trash.
WIN Waste Innovations can help you recycle any of your unused electronics. We offer residential curbside recycling, so contact our team today to recycle your electronics.