If you’ve ever tried to find local resources for recycling your home electronics (e.g. computers, printers, televisions etc.) you’ve probably stumbled across the controversy surrounding this practice.
Reports suggest that a large percentage of what Americans currently recycle is sent abroad with little attention paid to the environmental impact of shipping our waste overseas or to the health of the workers who are responsible for deconstructing the electronics.
Our search over the years to find local, ethical recycling for our client’s and our own broken electronics (e.g. computers, printers, tvs, routers, etc.) has yielded very little harvest…until now!
We just discovered that Guardian Self-Storage has partnered with Computer Recycling USA to recycle your electronics in the U.S.! You may balk at the fact that there is a fee (e.g. $9/laptop plus $9 if you want to have hard drive wiped clear), but we believe that is a small price to pay for the impact of our consumption. Guardian reports that they donate 10% of their profits from this program to the Audubon Society. And, Computer Recycling USA has a 100% recycle, zero landfill policy.
Unfortunately, the nearest Guardian drop-off location is Foxboro, MA. Apparently they get calls all the time from people in Boston looking for a similar U.S. based recycling resource in the city, but they haven’t been able to identify one. (Any Boston facilities out there interested in starting a similar program??) So, let your friends and neighbors know about this program and stockpile all of your stuff for an annual trip to Foxboro.
>>To All AT Boston Posts
I went to staples the other day to recycle a blue and white mac g3 that had been in my closet for years. I remember seeing a sign in the window, but when I got to the store and asked where to bring the tower they asked for a $10 fee. huh?! I brought the computer home and put it out on the street and it was taken within the hour. now thats brooklyn recycling!
view kung fu grip's profile
hey Kung Fu--i did the same thing. is there any electronics recycling in New York except for the one or two times the city does it? i waited and waited several months and finally left the pile of old stuff on the side walk too--i find that putting a sign on stuff letting people know that it still works ensures that electronics get "recycled" off the street.
view flixbix's profile
Speaking of which, does anyone know an easy or simple or cheap/free way to wipe your computers files before reselling or recycling?
view lily's profile
I was able to log on to the City of Houston website and find recycling plants in my area. There is a great recycling facility that accepts everything electronics, motor oil, plastic, etc. Maybe you can go online to your local city website and find a recycling facility near you.
view mema's profile
A friend of mine recently told me about Greendisk.com. They call themselves a "techno trashcan" and they will recycle all your technology stuff, including desktops and laptops. I believe there is a nominal charge for a box or postage, but it a great resource and definitely worth the charge.
view ritaj's profile