Since 2014 New Yorkers were prohibited from leaving electronics on curbside. Did you know that starting April 1, 2016 New Yorkers could be fined up to $100 for improperly disposing electronics as per the NYC Department of Sanitation.
Causes International explains that E-Waste is the fastest growing component of hazardous wast sent to our landfills. The USA is the biggest offender of e-waste worldwide, generating over 9M tons of e-waste annually. E-waste is 2% of our overall landfill volume, but 70% of our overall toxic waste! Toxins from electronic waste include: lead, mercury, cadmium, phosphors ,and flame retardants.
Currently, only a sliver of e-waste is recycled properly. So that no one gets penalized and we don't add further toxic waste to our environment, please refer to the list below:
BRING E-RECYCLING TO YOUR HOME:
Do you live in an apartment with more than 10 units? If so, you are eligible to have free e-waste pick up! Click here to learn and sign up!
DONATE:
- NYC Stuff Exchange: a URL and App that makes donating EASY!
- search by your zip + item you want to donate
- Salvation Army: 208 E 23rd St, New York, or click for the one closest to you
- accepts all electronics donations
- Lower East Side E-Waste Warehouse: 469 President Street, Brooklyn
- accepts all electronics donations
- Best Buy: 52 E 14th St, New York, or click for the one closest to you
- for the extensive list of what the'll accept, click here.
- Goodwill: 220 E 23rd St, New York, or click for the one closest to you
- accepts most electronics, but not large old televisions
WHEN YOU PURCHASE SOMETHING NEW:
- When you make a new electronics purchase, ask whomever you are purchasing from to take back your old one. MOST have TAKE-BACK programs that they do not advertise!
It really has become a lot easier over the past decade to recycle. I personally think the implementation of fees is another good step forward, and I wish they would start charging us for our trash. Consumers would stop buying from manufacturers that over-packaged and new types of habits would develop on the consumer and manufacturer side...but I digress.
Happy Recycling, Happy Earth Month and don't forget to request your donation request form when you are donating a working piece of electronics equipment. ;)
pic courtesy of Recycling Today
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