As electronic technology continues to grow, so does the need to recycle eWaste properly. eWaste is short for electronic waste that is broken or no longer wanted. Chances are that you have eWaste lying somewhere around your house tucked away in a closet or hidden in a junk drawer. Examples of eWaste include cell phones, laptops, tablets, television sets, stereos and more.

eWaste can never be thrown away in your trash bin because it is a type of household hazardous waste (HHW). When HHW is thrown into your one bin, it could contaminate recyclables – stopping them from reaching their highest potential! Even worse, modern electronics can contain a myriad of chemicals that are harmful to the environment and human health.

Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPWMA) and Placer Recycles provides residents and businesses with various options to ensure you always have easy and convenient choices when it is time to recycle any eWaste.

Reduce: If you reduce the amount of eWaste you produce, you will naturally need to recycle less of it. Reduce the eWaste you generate by maintain and caring for your current electronic items.

Reuse: Donate, sell or gift older electronic items before you decide they need to enter retirement. Consider dropping them off at your local consignment shop, safely selling them via an online marketplace or offer the items for free to family and friends for the taking.

Repair: In a world where so many items are purely disposable, it is easy to forget that repairing an item can be the best option before purchasing a new one. Next time your TV or laptop start malfunctioning, contact a local tech repair service. Repairing an electronic item may not only save money but will also keep electronics from becoming eWaste.

Recycle: Recycle eWaste properly and easily at any of the HHW facilities in Western Placer County or by calling to schedule for FREE curbside pickup (available in limited areas).