The benefits of recycling cardboard, metal, and glass are well known, but recycling your electronic waste is just as essential. Electronic trash, also known as e-waste, is the term for electronic items like office equipment, cell phones, computers, printers, and TVs—objects that are thrown away at the end of their life cycle.

Read on to learn how Lexington Computer Recycling is here to recycle your electronic waste, learn about the benefits of e recycling, and discover where you can properly dispose of your unwanted electronic items or equipment.

Why is E Waste a Problem?

The United States alone produces nearly seven million tons of electronic waste annually. It represents less than 2% of our total garbage, but 70% of toxic waste, and only 20% of that waste sees a recycling facility. When you account for the sheer amount of physical space this waste consumes and the fact that electronic components can take hundreds of years to decompose, it’s clear why electronic trash is a significant problem.

The Importance of Electronic Trash Recycling

One primary reason we recycle is to reduce the amount of waste in landfills. E-waste takes up physical space and contains toxins that can leach into the soil and groundwater, causing effects that harm people, wildlife, and the ecosystem. When you recycle electronic trash, you’re helping prevent substances like lead, chromium, and brominated flame retardants from entering the air, water, and soil. Recycling electronics is also essential because once you throw them in with regular trash, they will inevitably end up in landfills or incinerators.

Recycling e-waste also helps preserve several natural resources. Electronics use precious metals like silver and gold as conductors, and recycling your e-waste allows these resources to be reused. Reusing these resources reduces the environmental impact of mining for raw materials and the energy needed to convert them into usable forms.

How Does Electronic Waste Accumulate?

Manufacturers know that many people will purchase the latest devices even if their current ones are still working. Home appliances like microwaves and TVs are generally kept until they are no longer usable. Other devices, like cell phones, laptops, and tablets, are often thrown away before their lifespan is up because new technology is continuously developing. The old devices then end up in a desk drawer, basement, attic, or the landfill. 

Theft of sensitive information is a concern when getting rid of old computers and cell phones, so we offer on-site data destruction to keep your information secure. 

Ways to Lessen Your Electronic Trash

Recycling is only one way to reduce the amount of electronic waste you produce. You can also repair damaged electronic items or donate working devices to a non-profit organization. Purchasing energy-efficient appliances will also drastically reduce your e waste. 

Contact us for E Recycling Near Lexington, KY

Do your part to help reduce electronic trash by bringing your e-waste to Lexington Computer Recycling. We are the area’s leading resource for electronic recycling, with several convenient locations. You can also rely on us for office clean outs and specialty equipment disposal across the US.

Call (859) 300-3599  to learn more about special rates for new annual contracts or request a quote online.

Lexington Computer Recycling proudly serves the entire United States, including the greater Lexington, KY, area, including Versailles, Nicholasville, Frankfort, Richmond, and Georgetown.