If it plugs in, it’s recyclable! Bring your electronics to our Swink location only.
Recycling Fees:
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No charge: computer towers*, laptops, servers, ink cartridges, cell phones, small appliances
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20 cents/lb: general E-waste: printers, AV equipment, IT components, scanners, keyboards, mice, flatscreen monitors
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40 cents/lb: TV’s, CRT monitors
* For data destruction, take your computer to Triad Computer Systems at 1321 E 3rd in La Junta. They will certifiably erase all personal data and then recycle your computer through Clean Valley.
Electronics Facts:
- In 2012, we generated over 9 million tons of e-waste, with the majority going to landfills.
- Electronic devices become obsolete quickly and are replaced by newer technology. These outdated items can be recycled and should not be thrown away.
- Electronic waste isn’t just waste. “E-waste” contains some very toxic substances (such as mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, beryllium, and brominated flame retardants). When these are burned at low temperatures they create additional toxic such as halogenated dioxins and furans – some of the most toxic substances known to humankind. They can cause cancer, reproductive disorders, endocrine disruption, and other health problems. If E-waste is dumped in a landfill, these toxic substances can leach into our ground water, contaminating our water and soil.
- E-waste represents 2% of America’s trash in landfills, but it equals 70% of overall toxic waste.
- Improper E-waste disposal affects virtually every living organism by releasing dangerous chemical pollutants into the soil, atmosphere, oceans, and water supply. This affects all living things; birds, land animals and aquatic life; the biome of microbes; plants and crops; our soil, water and air, etc.
- Cell phones and other electronic items contain significant amounts of precious metals like gold and silver. They also contain valuable rare earth metals which are in short supply. Americans dump phones containing over $60 million in gold/silver every year.
- Precious metals are not the only usable material that can be recycled from electronics. Plastic and glass can also be salvaged for use in new electronic devices.