What is e-waste? It’s the term used to describe discarded electronics—anything with a plug, battery, or circuit board that’s no longer useful. This includes broken, outdated, or simply unwanted devices that we throw away or replace.
Definition: Electronic Waste
Electronic waste (e-waste) includes items like old computers, smartphones, TVs, tablets, printers, and batteries. Once these devices are no longer working or needed, they’re considered e-waste—even if they still power on.
Common Sources
E-waste doesn’t just come from households. It also comes from:
- Offices upgrading their tech
- Schools replacing outdated classroom devices
- Hospitals discarding medical electronics
- Data centers clearing out servers
- Government agencies cycling out old equipment
All of these places generate electronic waste on a regular basis.
What Products Count as E-Waste?
E-waste covers a wide range of electronics and electrical devices. Here are some of the most common examples:
- Computers and laptops: Includes desktops, notebooks, and their components.
- Smartphones and tablets: Even newer models get replaced quickly.
- Televisions and monitors: Especially older CRT models and flat screens.
- Printers and fax machines: Often tossed when ink dries up or they stop working.
- Batteries (car, lithium-ion, etc.): Rechargeable and single-use batteries are a major source of hazardous waste.
- Household appliances: Microwaves, toasters, air conditioners, and even coffee makers qualify.
- Networking and telecom equipment: Routers, switches, modems, and more.
- Medical electronics and lab devices: From diagnostic machines to old monitors.
If it plugs in, runs on batteries, or has electronic parts—it’s probably e-waste when discarded.
Why Is E-Waste a Problem?
What is e-waste, and why does it matter so much? The answer goes far beyond cluttered drawers full of old phones. E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste problems in the world—and it’s packed with toxic materials that can seriously harm people and the planet if not handled properly.
It Contains Toxic Materials
E-waste isn’t just metal and plastic—it’s loaded with hazardous substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants.
When electronics end up in landfills or are dismantled improperly, these toxins can leak into the soil and water, polluting ecosystems and putting human health at risk.
E-Waste Is the Fastest-Growing Waste Stream
Every year, e-waste production keeps climbing—and the numbers are staggering. According to the World Health Organization, a record 62 million metric tons of e-waste were produced in 2022, an 82% increase since 2010. And it’s not slowing down—by 2030, we’re on track to hit 82 million metric tons globally.
Despite the size of this waste stream, recycling rates remain dismal. Only 17–20% of e-waste is properly recycled. That means billions of dollars’ worth of materials are being dumped or left to decay.
The Hidden Value of E-Waste
While e-waste poses serious risks, it also holds incredible untapped value. Recycling e-waste isn’t just good for the environment—it’s good for the economy too, especially solar panel recycling.
Recoverable Materials
E-waste contains materials like plastic, copper, and aluminum. Proper recycling allows us to recover and reuse these materials—reducing the need for mining and helping conserve natural resources.
Economic Opportunity
The e-waste industry creates real jobs—from collection and logistics to dismantling and refurbishment.
It also supports the growing circular economy, where products and materials are reused rather than wasted. That means less pollution, more efficiency, and more local opportunities.
How Is E-Waste Recycled?
Recycling electronics isn’t as simple as tossing them in a bin. E-waste contains a complex mix of metals, plastics, batteries, and hazardous materials—so the process requires careful handling to be done safely and effectively.
The General Process
Here’s a breakdown of how e-waste is typically recycled:
- Collection and transportation: Devices are collected through drop-off sites, scheduled pickups, or bulk programs and brought to a licensed facility.
- Sorting and dismantling: Items are manually taken apart to separate batteries, circuit boards, glass, plastic, and metal components.
- Material recovery or disposal: Reusable materials (like copper, aluminum, and plastics) are sent to refineries. Hazardous waste is safely disposed of under strict regulations.
Why It Requires Experts
E-waste recycling is not a DIY job. Here’s why professionals are essential:
- Complex materials and potential hazards: Electronics can contain toxic substances that require careful handling. Mishandling can release lead, mercury, or battery acid.
- Legal and environmental compliance: Recycling must follow both state and federal laws. Licensed facilities ensure everything is processed properly and responsibly.
- Need for proper data destruction: Old devices often hold sensitive information. A reputable recycler like EACR Inc. provides secure data destruction services that meet business, government, and regulations.
How You Can Responsibly Recycle E-Waste
You don’t need to be an expert to make the right choice—just know where to go and who to trust.
- Drop-off locations and events: Many towns, schools, and community centers host e-waste collection days where you can bring old electronics.
- Licensed electronics recycling companies like EACR Inc.: We handle everything from individual devices to large-scale commercial pickups—with zero-landfill policies and compliant recycling services.
- Corporate pickups and data destruction services: If you’re a business or organization, EACR Inc. can schedule pickups and ensure devices are fully wiped and processed.
U.S. and Global E-Waste Regulations
Laws and regulations around e-waste exist to keep people safe and the environment clean—but they vary depending on where you are. Here’s a quick look at how e-waste is handled in the U.S. and beyond.
Overview of EPA Guidelines
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides national guidance on how e-waste should be managed. While there’s no federal e-waste law, the EPA encourages responsible recycling, safe disposal, and reduction of hazardous components in electronics. They also support licensed e-waste recyclers and encourage manufacturers to design more sustainable products.
State Laws (e.g., California, New York)
Some states take things further with their own e-waste legislation:
- California charges a recycling fee at the point of sale and restricts landfill disposal for many electronics.
- New York requires manufacturers to provide free and convenient recycling options for consumers.
- Other states like New Jersey, Illinois, and Oregon have similar programs with varying rules and accepted items.
International Standards (e.g., Basel Convention)
Globally, the Basel Convention governs the movement of hazardous waste—including e-waste—across borders. Its goal is to prevent dumping in developing countries and to ensure environmentally sound disposal.
Countries in the European Union follow stricter rules through their WEEE Directive, which mandates recycling targets and producer responsibility.
Final Thoughts: Why E-Waste Awareness Matters
Understanding what e-waste is and how to manage it isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for the future of our planet.
- Reduces environmental harm: Keeps toxic metals and chemicals out of soil, water, and air.
- Protects human health: Minimizes exposure to harmful substances, especially in vulnerable communities.
- Conserves natural resources: Recovers metals and cuts down on the need for mining.
- Supports responsible technology consumption: Encourages smarter purchasing, longer product life, and sustainable disposal.
The more we know, the better we can do.
Schedule E-Waste Recycling with EACR Inc.
Ready to recycle your electronics the right way? Whether you’re clearing out an office or dropping off a few old devices, EACR Inc. makes it simple and secure.
- Book a pickup
- Request a quote
- Drop off your items at our Lakewood, NJ facility
We proudly serve businesses, schools, government agencies, and households throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC, Virginia, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, & Maine
Contact us today to schedule your e-waste recycling or learn more about our services.
Frequently Asked Questions About E-Waste
E-waste, or electronic waste, refers to discarded electronic devices—anything with a battery, plug, or circuit board. This includes computers, phones, TVs, appliances, and other electronics that are no longer in use.
E-waste recycling helps recover materials like copper while keeping toxic substances—like lead and mercury—out of landfills. It protects the environment, conserves resources, and supports a more sustainable economy.
E-waste in computers includes desktop towers, laptops, monitors, hard drives, keyboards, and other computer accessories that are no longer functional or needed. These often contain recyclable metals, plastics, and hazardous materials that require proper disposal.
Yes. E-waste can be hazardous due to materials like lead, mercury, cadmium, and flame retardants. If not handled correctly, these toxins can leak into soil and water, posing health and environmental risks.
Improper disposal can pollute ecosystems, harm human health, and waste resources. In some cases, old electronics end up in unregulated dumps overseas, where they’re broken down under unsafe conditions.
In many states, it’s illegal to throw electronics in the trash. Devices should be taken to a licensed electronics recycler or dropped off at an approved collection site or event.
Businesses should work with licensed e-waste recyclers like EACR Inc., who offer secure pickup, data destruction, and full compliance to ensure proper recycling.
