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Unwanted consumer electronics – cell and smart phones, computers and monitors, televisions, DVD and MP3 players, pagers, PDAs and other devices – are the fastest-growing category of waste in Massachusetts. Until recently, Bay Staters were discarding an average of more than 900,000 units annually.

Non-working electronics should be recycled to prevent lead, mercury and other toxics they contain from posing health and environmental risks after disposal. Some electronics – the cathode ray tubes (CRTs) found in most computer and television screens pre-dating flat panels – are banned from Massachusetts landfills and combustion facilities.

Donation and Reuse Options

For Drop-off and mail-in programs 

  • Consider upgrading your computer hardware or software instead of buying a new product.
  • Delete all personal information from your electronics.
  • Remove batteries from your electronics, they may need to be recycled separately.

For more information visit the EPA’s recycling website.