Recycling
Electronic Waste

Reduce - Maintain and keep equipment as long as possible.

• A typical computer's lifespan is 2-3 years, but can be extended by 1-2 years with some upgrading.
• Buy a good monitor; it can last 6-7 years or more.  Keep it for use with your next computer.
• Consider leasing a computer so you can trade it in at expiration of the lease.
• Always use a surge protector power strip with all electronic equipment.

Reuse - A computer of recent vintage can often be refurbished and reused.

• Check the list of Pennsylvania computer reusers/recyclers or links to other non-profit donation/reuse opportunities.
• It can be collected as part of a community electronic discard collection event.  Encourage your county recycling coordinator to consider starting an electronics collection program.
• You could ship your equipment directly to a recycler.  Check the National Safety Counsel's electronic equipment recyclers list or the list of Pennsylvania recyclers.
• Spent rechargeable batteries can be recycled through many retail outlets.  These batteries are commonly found in cordless, power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras, and remote control toys.  Find out where you can recycle them using the consumer information at www.rbrc.org/

Discard - As a last resort, you may discard electronic equipment in a bulky waste collection program.