Responsible Recycling: Where to Dispose of Tricky Electronic and Chemical Items
In our increasingly digital world, electronic devices and household chemicals have become integral parts of our lives, and the dilemma of how to dispose of these items responsibly and sustainably remains a challenge. From old chargers and batteries to electronic gadgets and chemicals, improper disposal can lead to environmental degradation and a build-up of hazardous waste in landfills! Fortunately, there are several avenues available to help us recycle these items correctly and contribute to a healthier planet.
First on our list is PCs for People. This organization is a national non-profit focused on getting low-cost computers and affordable broadband internet into the homes of people and organizations with low income. They accept old computers, screens, printers, servers, and similar tech, and bulk donations are a huge help! This option is even better than recycling as you're extending the useful life of these items – a win-win for the environment and folks who need them. If you’re located in Chicago, check out PCs for People’s retail, refurbishing, and e-recycling store in Oak Lawn, or stop by The Plant’s fall Reuse-a-Palooza event on Sun. Oct. 15 from 11am-3pm. For other locations around the U.S, see their website.
PC’s for People
Address: 4535 SW Highway, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Phone: 708-843-8450
Email: cookcounty@pcsforpeople.org
Next up we’ve got the Chicago Department of Public Health, which offers recycling of electronic waste and hazardous household chemicals (or check your local municipality for their services).
By dropping off your items off at their Household Chemicals And Computer Recycling Facility during designated hours (which are listed below), you can contribute to responsible recycling! Accepted items include household chemicals like bleach and drain cleaners, various types of batteries (rechargeable, car batteries, small lead acid), unused or expired medications, auto fluids, propane tanks, and more. Notably, CDPH does not accept alkaline or lithium batteries, so see our recommendations for responsible disposal below. And we suggest trying to *use* any materials that still have life in them; don’t like that new shade of nail polish?... don’t dispose it, trade with a friend!
This facility plays a crucial role in diverting potentially harmful materials from landfills and encouraging a greener approach to waste management!
Chicago Department of Public Health
Address: 1150 N. North Branch Street, Chicago, IL 60642
Main Phone: 312-747-9884
Drop-off Hours: Tuesdays (7am-12pm), Thursdays (2-7 pm), 1st Saturday of every month (8am-3pm)
The following drop-off services are available to all Cook County residents:
Solid Waste Agency of Cook County (which has a useful calendar of municipal and county-wide events)
Staples has also taken steps towards responsible recycling. Their program accepts a range of electronic devices and accessories, reducing the impact of electronic waste on the environment. Among the accepted items are laptops, desktops, tablets, monitors, keyboards, mice, mobile and cordless phones, CD and DVD players, as well as printers, scanners, and routers; again, we encourage you to start with donating to PCs for People to reuse rather than dispose your used electronics when possible.
Like Staples, Best Buy has similarly established a comprehensive recycling program that covers a wide array of electronic devices. From TVs and computers to cell phones and ink cartridges, Best Buy's initiative encourages consumers to responsibly dispose of their electronics, and at most Best Buy stores you can recycle up to three items per household per day! While most small electronics can be recycled for free, larger items like TVs and refrigerators may incur additional fees. Best Buy's commitment to sustainability provides a convenient solution for recycling electronic items, helping to mitigate the environmental impact of e-waste.
Last but not least we’ve got the WeRecycle Battery Box by Cirba Solutions. Cirba Solutions addresses the unique challenge of non-rechargeable batteries and tricky-to-recycle electronics by offering an innovative approach to recycling that focuses specifically on non-rechargeable batteries, including lithium, alkaline, lead-acid, NiCad, and NiMH batteries. With over two decades of experience in recycling highly reactive batteries, Cirba Solutions has processed over 25 million pounds of battery waste and they contribute significantly to reducing the hazardous materials that end up in landfills! To be cost-efficient, we always suggest starting with the free services that handle general e-waste, and save the paid option for the items that aren’t accepted elsewhere.
By slowing down and making the conscious choice to repurpose and recycle old electronics and chemicals vs. tossing them in the trash, you're not just discarding waste responsibly; you're sowing the seeds of sustainability! Whether it’s donating old computers to PCs for the People, contributing to the Chicago Department of Public Health's efforts, partnering with Staples and Best Buy on their recycling programs, or exploring innovative solutions like the WeRecycle Battery Box – all of these options support the positive transformation of our environment and planet!
Helpful links:
Poster by Adrian Ogas for the BICeBé poster contest on electronic waste awareness