Recycling professionals near you

Using a professional electronic waste recycling service is the best disposal method. These pros make sure your old devices are handled safely and responsibly, keeping harmful materials out of landfills. For extra convenience, many services can pick up items right from your home.

When looking for an electronic waste recycling service, make sure you complete the following steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: Look for recyclers with certifications like R2 (La href="https://sustainableelectronics.org/r2/">Responsible Recycling) or e-Stewards, which demonstrate they follow safe and environmentally sound practices. They should also have general liability insurance and meet any other licensing requirements for your area.

• Get several bids: A proper estimate should clearly list any fees based on the type and quantity of electronics. It should also detail costs for services like data destruction, pickup, and transportation.

• Read their reviews: Positive reviews often mention punctuality, clear communication, and secure handling. Be cautious of red flags like complaints about hidden charges, data security issues, or evidence of improper disposal.

• Look at their portfolios: While they may not have a visual portfolio, a reputable company can provide documentation of their recycling process, client testimonials, or case studies from previous jobs, especially for commercial clients.

• Find out if they have warranties: For e-waste, the most important guarantee is a certificate of destruction or recycling. This document confirms your data has been securely wiped and your electronics have been processed according to environmental regulations.

• Ask important questions: Before hiring, ask questions like, “Are you R2 or e-Stewards certified?”, “What is your process for data destruction?”, and “Can you provide a certificate of recycling when the job is done?”

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Type of electronics: Some items, like old CRT monitors or refrigerators, contain hazardous materials and can cost more to recycle safely compared to devices like keyboards or laptops.

• Amount of waste: The total volume or weight of your e-waste is a primary cost driver. Many services charge by the pound or by the item.

• Pickup services: The convenience of having a professional come to your home or office for pickup will typically cost more than dropping the items off at a recycling center.

• Data destruction: If you need certified proof that data has been securely wiped from hard drives or other storage devices, this specialized service will add to the overall cost.

• Your location: Your distance from the recycling facility can affect transportation fees. Difficult-to-access locations, such as an office on a high floor with no elevator, may also increase labor costs.

The average cost to haul away junk is $150, though this price can be expected to vary between around $75 and $375, depending on several factors. 

The first factor is the quantity of junk removed. Most junk removal services charge by the truckload, and most residential projects only require filling up part of a truckload.

Another factor is the type of junk. E-waste like computers and TVs may cost more to dispose of, as will more hazardous materials like mercury, paint and used motor oil. It also may cost more to remove big items like beds and couches.

To find out how much it will cost to get rid of your junk, get free estimates from the best junk removal companies near you.

Some of the biggest benefits of recycling electronic waste include the following:

• Conserving natural resources: Electronics contain valuable materials like gold, silver, and copper. Recycling recovers these materials so they can be reused, which reduces the need for mining new raw materials.

• Protecting the environment: Many devices have toxic substances, such as lead and mercury. Proper recycling prevents these harmful materials from contaminating soil and water.

• Saving energy: It takes significantly less energy to make new products from recycled materials than it does to manufacture them from scratch.

• Reducing landfill waste: E-waste is one of the fastest-growing types of trash, and recycling helps keep these bulky items out of crowded landfills.

• Keeping your data secure: Reputable recyclers will professionally destroy the data on your old hard drives and devices to prevent others from accessing it.

Before your pro arrives to recycle your e-waste, take these steps to ensure a safe and efficient appointment:

Step 1: Gather and sort your items. Collect all the electronics you want to recycle in one accessible area. If possible, separate them into categories like computers, monitors, phones, and batteries to make the pickup process smoother.

Step 2: Back up and wipe your data. Back up your important files on any devices that store personal information, such as computers and smartphones. After that, perform a factory reset to wipe all personal data and protect your privacy.

Step 3: Remove batteries if possible. Some recycling services may ask you to remove batteries from devices, especially if they are damaged or swollen. Check with your pro for their specific battery-handling instructions.

Step 4: Clear a path for the pro. Make sure there’s an unobstructed walkway from the entrance of your home to where the electronics are located. This helps your pro move heavy or bulky items safely and quickly.

Step 5: Confirm appointment details. A day or two before your appointment, double-check the pickup time and confirm what items are being taken. This is also a good time to ask about any fees for specific types of e-waste.