E-Waste Calculator

Recycling isn't just for bottles and cans.

Common home appliances can be recycled at e-waste centers. In fact, recycling these items saves a lot in CO2 emissions.

With this calculator, find out how many kilograms of CO2 you'd save by recycling items instead of throwing them away.

Plus, review some common examples of e-waste and how to recycle your items below.

What is e-Waste?

The term "e-Waste" refers to electronic items that are thrown away or recycled.

These items are discarded usually because they are old, don't work, or are hazardous. In some cases, the owner of the item simply doesn't want it.

Examples of e-Waste

e-Waste is a broad term that applies to many items. Here are some examples of what qualifies as e-waste:

Home Appliances

• Microwaves
  
• Electric cooking equipment
  
• Electric kettles
  
• Washing machines
  
• Dryers
  
• AC units
  
• Dishwashers
  
• Fridges and freezers
  
• Heaters

Communication Devices

• Desktop computers
  
• Laptops
  
• Computer monitors
  
• Circuit boards
  
• Hard drives
  
• Mobile phones
  
• Smart watches

Entertainment Devices

• TVs
  
• DVD players
  
• Blu-Ray players
  
• VCRs
  
• MP3 players
  
• CD players
  
• Remote controls

Office Equipment

• Printers
  
• Scanners
  
• Copiers
  
• Calculators
  
• Cords and cables
  
• Servers and server racks

Miscellaneous Items

• Flashlights
  
• Lamps
  
• Nightlights
  
• Smart activity monitors, like Fitbit
  
• Heating pads
  
• Massage chairs

How to Recycle E-Waste

Luckily, there are many ways to recycle your e-waste. Here's how to get started:

1. Check with your city's Department of Public Works. This department usually organizes e-waste events and sometimes even offers pick-up.

   Most mid-sized cities offer e-waste recycling programs, so this is the easiest, most eco-friendly, and most local way to recycle.

2. If your city doesn't offer its own recycling program, sites like Earth911 are a good resource to find other options.

3. Search for organizations that will take your working electronics. They can refurbish your items and give them to those in need.

   Free Geek and eBay for Charity are good places to start.

4. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer of the item. Many large companies, like Apple, will take back old products. In some cases, you might even get credit for a new item.

5. Find out which retail stores offer e-waste recycling programs (Tip: you don't have to recyle items you bought there!). Here's several stores that accept items like phones and computers:

   Stores that Recycle Cell Phones
   Sprint
   Samsung
   Best Buy
   Staples

   Stores that Recycle Computers and Laptops
   Dell
   Sony
   Samsung
   Best Buy
   Staples

Bottom Line

While recycling your phone or microwave may not feel like a huge deal, it's an important step to take in being more eco-friendly.

e-Waste, just like bottles and cans, can be recycled easily with just a little research and planning. After a while, you'll have saved thousands of kilograms in CO2 emissions and made the planet a greener place.