How to Recycle Your Electronics: A Beginner's Guide

Electronic waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally. Americans generate roughly 6.9 million tons of e-waste annually, and only a fraction goes through certified recycling channels. For businesses generating e-waste — old computers, servers, monitors, printers, phones, and networking equipment — the stakes are especially high because these devices combine hazardous materials with sensitive data that must be securely destroyed.

The first step in recycling electronics is data security. Before any device leaves your possession, all sensitive data must be destroyed. For computers and servers, this means physically destroying or degaussing the hard drive, or performing a certified data wipe that overwrites every sector to DOD standards. For phones and tablets, a factory reset is insufficient — proper wipe or physical destruction is required. Any reputable electronics recycler provides certified data destruction with a certificate documenting what was destroyed, by what method, and with which serial numbers.

Once data is secured, find a certified e-waste recycler carrying the e-Stewards or R2 (Responsible Recycling) certification — these programs audit recyclers to verify domestic processing, proper hazardous material handling, and no illegal export to developing countries. STS Recycling, parent company of Chicago Lamp Recycling, provides certified electronics recycling and ITAD services throughout Illinois and the Midwest. Call 866-770-2650.