What Can I Recycle?
Through advances in recycling technology, you have more options than ever. And it's a good thing because we need to conserve as much of our resources as possible. In this section, you'll learn about which materials you can and can't put in your bin.
See how the actions you take affect the environment.
Experience MoreWhat needs special handling?
Electronics
Electronics that are obsolete, broken, and destined for recycling or disposal are sometimes called "e‑ waste." There are many chemical and mineral elements in e‑ waste. A circuit board contains copper, gold, silver, platinum and palladium, as well as lead. If recycled properly, this waste is a valuable source of secondary raw materials. Watch this brief video to learn more about e‑ waste.
Televisions
As you make the transition to digital television, what should you do with your old analog TV?
Most TVs work with either a digital or analog signal. If you do not have cable or satellite service, you will need a converter box that you can purchase at most electronics stores to receive the digital signal.
Many municipalities do not allow TV sets to be discarded into landfills.
Older television sets contain up to eight pounds each of lead. Lead was originally used to protect viewers from radiation.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 82 percent of televisions (20.6 million units) were disposed of between 2006 and 2007 – and that occurred primarily in landfills. This means only 18%, or about 6.3 million sets, were recycled.
Certain retailers and manufacturers, including LG and Sony, offer TV recycling programs. Go to wm.com/sony or wm.com/lg for more info.
The Electronic Industries Alliance provides a list of non-profit organizations that accept used, working TVs.
Check with your local municipality to see if there are special disposal days or drop-off locations for used electronics.