Electronic Waste


Discarded electronic devices that exceed the hazardous waste criteria for toxicity belong to a category of Universal Waste informally called “E-Waste” or electronic waste.  Examples of electronic devices include televisions, computer monitors and CPUs, stereos, VCRs, DVDs, copiers, printers, cell phones, and other products that contain toxic metals like lead, cadmium, copper, and chromium in circuit boards, video displays, batteries, and other components.

A subset of electronic devices is “cathode ray tubes”, which is a picture tube used to convert an electrical signal into a visual image, such as televisions and computer monitors.

Because of the huge variety of electronic devices on the market, and the absence of manufacturer testing or labeling requirements, there are currently no reliable guidelines as to whether a particular electronic device is a universal waste when discarded. 

As a practical matter, all discarded electronic devices should be recycled and not disposed of in the regular trash.                                            

Discarded electronic devices are estimated to make up approximately one percent of the municipal solid waste stream. Most electronic devices contain valuable materials like metals, glass and plastic that can be recovered by recycling these items. Many solid waste-recycling centers will accept these items for free or for a nominal charge. Ideally, all discarded electronic devices regardless of make or model should be recycled.

Perhaps the most common electronic devices are cellular telephones. Click on this link for the US Environmental Protection Agency brochure Recycle Your Cell Phone. It’s An Easy Call

Recycling opportunities for cellular telephones, as well as other specified Universal Waste Electronic Devices, are available at  CSET, E-Recycle, and  Earth 911 .  Information on Proper Disposal of CRTs, LCDs, and CEDs. 

As of January 1, 2007, California banned the sale of most electronic devices containing Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, or Hexavalent chromium above specified levels. This ban applies only to devices with a video display screen four inches or larger, measured diagonally (also referred to as Covered Electronic Devices or CEDs).  For further information on CEDs, go to our Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) information page.