Fact Sheet
Top Questions from Residents on
Electronics Recycling
1.
Why can’t I put my TV or computer in the garbage?
As of July 1, 2006, electronic products containing a cathode ray tube
(CRT) may not be placed in the garbage (Minnesota Statutes
§115A.9565). A CRT contains 2 to 8 pounds of lead. Most TVs and
computer monitors contain a CRT and must be recycled. Recycling keeps
TVs, computer monitors, and other electronics out of the garbage and
conserves natural resources, and prevents harm to public health and the
environment. Visit RethinkRecycling.com to find electronics recycling
options.
2.
My county told me I need to recycle my electronic waste. What is
considered electronic waste?
Electronics waste, or e-waste, is any waste that has a circuit board or a
cathode ray tube (CRT). Minnesota’s 2007 electronics recycling law
specifically addresses the following electronic devices from households:
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Televisions
Computers: central processing units (CPUs), monitors, laptops
Computer keyboards, speakers, printers, and other peripherals
VCRs and DVD players
Fax machines
Other electronics, such as cell phones and stereos, can also be recycled
but are not addressed in Minnesota’s 2007 electronics recycling law.
Materials accepted for recycling vary by option and location. Visit
RethinkRecycling.com to find electronics recycling options.
3.
What are my options for recycling my electronic waste?
Recycling options for household electronics available to Twin Cities metroarea residents include:
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Take-back programs: Some manufacturers and retailers will take
back your old electronics for recycling.
Garbage haulers: Some haulers pick up electronics for recycling.
Recycling companies: You can drop off your old electronics at a
recycler. Some recyclers pick up electronics for recycling.
Government recycling programs: Your city, county, or
neighborhood may pick up electronics, offer drop-off sites, or
accept electronics at community clean-up events.
Visit RethinkRecycling.com to find information on these
options.
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Top Questions from Residents on Electronics
Recycling/Page 3
4.
Will someone pick up my electronic waste at my home?
Some companies offer pick-up of electronics waste at the curb or in the
home. A fee may be charged for the pick-up. Visit RethinkRecycling.com
to find a list of electronics recycling companies that offer pick-up service.
Also, some garbage haulers offer pick-up of electronics waste. Contact
your hauler to find out if this service is available. When you contact a
recycling company or garbage hauler, be sure to ask if the pick-up is at
the curb or in the home to make sure the service will meet your needs.
5.
Do I have to pay to recycle my electronic waste?
There may be a fee to recycle household electronic waste, depending on
the specific recycling option you choose. A fee may be charged to recycle
some kinds or brands of electronic waste, while others may be accepted
at no charge. A fee may also be charged for additional services such as
data destruction, pick-up or mail-in. Refer to specific recycling options for
details on service and fees. Some options are available at no charge.
Fees collected for electronics recycling pay for expenses such as
transportation of electronic waste, training and labor for disassembly of
electronics, and proper disposal of hazardous components.
6.
How do I protect my security when I recycle my electronics?
 Prior to deleting personal information, backup or transfer any data
you may need.
 Remove the data on the hard-disk drives and any other storage
devices in the products.
 Remove media, such as diskettes, CDs, or PC cards.
You can purchase a disk cleaning utility for your computer or choose a
recycler that provides data destruction services. Visit
RethinkRecycling.com to find recyclers that offer data destruction.
7.
Can I donate my old electronics somewhere?
There are many donation programs available for old cell phones. Many of
these programs benefit charities. Visit RethinkRecycling.com to find more
information.
For other items, some local charities may accept usable electronics – call
first. Residents may also consider selling unwanted, usable electronics
online on sites such as craigslist.org or ebay.
8.
I have a computer from my business that I need to recycle. Does
that matter?
Recycling options for electronics waste from businesses are available;
however, businesses must not use programs designated for recycling of
household electronics waste. For information on electronics recycling
options for businesses, visit RethinkRecycling.com/business.
Top Questions from Residents on Electronics
Recycling/Page 3
9.
How will I know that my electronics will be properly recycled?
To ensure proper recycling of household electronic waste, select a recycler
or collector that is registered with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Under Minnesota’s 2007 electronics recycling law, recyclers must register
and certify that they:
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Comply with health, environmental, safety and financial
regulations;
Be licensed with governmental authorities;
Use no prison labor to recycle; and
Possess liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000.
Ask your e-waste collector or recycler how and where they manage the
hazardous components found in electronics, such as CRTs, fluorescent
lamps, batteries and circuit boards. Visit RethinkRecycling.com to find a
list of registered household electronic waste collectors and recyclers in the
Twin Cities metro-area.
10.
Where can I learn more about recycling electronics?
For information on electronics recycling in the Twin Cities metro-area, visit
RethinkRecycling.com. Rethink Recycling is your go-to guide for waste
and recycling in the Twin Cities.
For information on electronics recycling outside the Twin Cities metro
area, visit www.pca.state.mn.us/electronics.
Updated: March 2010
This fact sheet was provided by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board as a part of the Electronics
Recycling Campaign. Please help us track the use of this campaign. Please send an e-mail to
Info@RethinkRecycling.com with a description of how the fact sheet was used, the date it will be published,
and the estimated circulation of the publication.