Recycling Tip for Better Results: Electronics (E-waste) and Large Appliances

January 22nd, 2018

During the holiday season you may have replaced some of your outdated appliances or broken electronics, but where do they go now? Rather than pile them in your basement, there are local outlets for proper disposal. It’s important to remember that electronic waste and appliances should not be landfilled or recycled in the curbside cart system; they need to be handled differently during disposal.  

Pro tip: Before replacing electronics or appliances, ask yourself if you need the upgrade or if the item can simply be repaired. YouTube and other online tutorials have step-by-step videos that might make a repair easier than you think!

Why can’t I put electronics or appliances into the recycling bin?

• Electronic waste (“E-waste”) or large appliances should not be put into (or placed next to) the curbside recycling or trash carts. The components in these items (arsenic, lead, mercury, Freon, etc.) need to be recycled separately/properly and should not be mixed in with the contents of residential recycling or trash.

If I can’t put it into the recycling bin, where can it go?

• Never put E-waste or appliances into the landfill. If you purchased your product from a “big box” store, such as Best Buy, check to see if they have a store take-back program. Additionally, our Drop-Off Station (DOS) located at 2950 E. Ellsworth Rd. takes E-waste and old appliances for proper recycling and disposal. Many of the components in E-waste can be melted down and used to make new products when recycled at a proper facility. If your appliances are in good, current, and reusable condition consider contacting our ReUse Center (734-222-7880) to see if they will take the item as a donation.

Stay tuned for February’s “Recycling Tip for Better Results”- Clothing & Textiles

Don't Trash It! 

A video series by Recycle Ann Arbor