SBC Waste Solutions Electronic Recycling Program
As part of an electronics recycling program, we are participating in Indian Head Park’s inaugural Electronics/Paint Recycling and Document Shred Day event, where residents can come and drop off old electronics and paint products for free. For the event, we will be sponsoring an ice cream truck and handing out free ice cream cones.
What Is Electronic Recycling?
What exactly is electronic recycling? Electronic recycling, commonly referred to as e-recycling, involves disposing of and recycling electronic devices that can’t be thrown out with your normal trash. Most electronic devices contain chemicals and other materials that are potentially harmful to the environment, so you can’t dispose of them in your garbage bin or recycling bin. Our Computer & Electronics recycling program, however, allows you to safely discard electronic products you have that are obsolete. The items can then be broken down into parts and incorporated into new electronic devices.
What Electronic Items Are Recyclable?
Most electronic devices can be recycled through our free electronic recycling program, including computers, televisions, printers, cameras, video game consoles, refrigerators and other large appliances, cell phones, computer accessories, audio equipment, fans, most batteries, and more. The electronic devices we can’t recycle include vehicle batteries, thermostats, compressed gas cylinders, and smoke detectors. If you are unsure if an electronic device you have is recyclable, send us a message and we can answer any of your questions.
Benefits of Electronics Recycling
First and foremost, e-recycling is a safer way of discarding electronic waste than throwing the waste in the trash. When you toss out electronic items into a dumpster or garbage bin, it ends up in a landfill. Over time, the devices erode and the chemicals inside them seep out and pollute the soil, as well as water supplies. Recycling old electronic devices also helps conserve resources. By using recycled parts, tech manufacturers use less water and energy during the manufacturing process. Even major companies have jumped on the e-recycling bandwagon. For example, Apple has a recycling facility where they collect obsolete Apple products, which they then incorporate into new Apple products, and Best Buy offers free recycling for many different electronic products, including computers, cell phones, appliances, and ink cartridges.
Security Benefits
Another key benefit of e-recycling relates to identity theft. When you dispose of hard drives through computer recycling programs, such as the one offered by SBC, you lower your risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. A lot of people sell their old phones and laptops online through sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Criminals will buy used devices so they can hack into them and access personal data like credit card information and social security numbers. E-recycling facilities have strict security protocols that ensure your hard drives and any information contained on those drives are safe.
Many Chicago garbage companies have free e-recycling programs, including SBC Waste Solutions. We encourage you to take advantage of Computer & Electronics recycling programs in your area. Not only will you be able to keep your unused tech equipment out of landfills, but you can also keep your personal data safe and help contribute to a more sustainable planet. In the meantime, if you are an Indian Head Park resident, stop by the Public Works Facility Saturday, June 12th between 9 AM and 1 PM. You can drop off your outdated electronic devices, shred old documents, and stop by our ice cream truck for a free ice cream cone.
