The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refers to Electronic Waste as “electronic products which is obsolete or at the end of its useful life. This can include, but is not limited to: Computer monitors, hard drives and parts, audio and stereo equipment, VCR’s and DVD players, video cameras, telephones, cell phones and other wireless devices, fax or copy machines and video game consoles. Many of these products can be reused, refurbished or recycled.

Improper disposal affects human and environmental health because many of these products contain hazardous materials and toxic substances. Many television sets will end up in landfills and junk piles where they can potentially contaminate soil and groundwater. Televisions contain lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants. The key is to remember that improper disposal could cause a harmful impact on the environment.

The best way to dispose of E-Waste is to bring it to your certified local E-Waste handling facility, like Goodwill of Silicon Valley. The most important thing when dealing with E-Waste is to assure that it is going to a company that is capable of safely handling, processing and recycling the item/material.

The Department of Toxic Substance Control oversees the certification of California E-Waste handlers and Recyclers. Goodwill of Silicon Valley is certified by the DTSC as an E-Waste handler, and our DTSC ID is number CAD 982471831.

We send our E-Waste to the largest E-Waste recycler in the country. They use methodology that exceeds environmental standards to recycle E-Waste and extract its maximum value, by refining materials and equipment while minimizing its impact on the environment. This results in no landfill, and no processing overseas.