Electronic Waste Matters to Digital Equity

With the holiday season fully upon us, many of us are considering a new electronic device. Whether it be Black Friday, Cyber Monday or chasing the latest trend, the ease and convenience of acquiring new technology means more purchases of electronics during this time of year.

Along with that new technology comes the question; what do you do with the old? It isn’t as simple as just throwing the old phone in the trash and calling it a day. For one thing, it’s unsafe. Batteries – both household and those found in technology and appliances – that are improperly disposed of can cause fires during trash processing. These fires then emit harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air. Apart from the batteries, materials used in the construction of electronics can be harmful to the environment when left to sit in landfills. 

What is often overlooked, however, are the people most adversely affected by these pollutants. These are often the very same communities that are most impacted by digital inequity and exclusion.  Improperly disposed of electronic waste can harm historically marginalized communities in two ways - by contributing to pollution and by removing the option for reuse.  Disposing of electronic waste properly can ensure batteries don’t end up in a landfill and also gives a second life to electronics for communities who need them the most.  

Recently, in partnership with other local organizations and libraries, PCs for People Washington collected over 10,000 pounds of e-waste in one four-hour drive that may have otherwise ended up in a landfill.  Data and hard drives are destroyed compliantly and many devices can be refurbished and given a second life for people in need.     

So when we’re enjoying our new devices this holiday season, let’s also consider digital equity and what we’ll do with our old iPhone or TV.  Below we include information about ways to recycle old electronics and batteries!

Local General Electronics Disposal Options:

• Free drop off: SPU North Transfer Station, PCs for People (formally InterConnection) in Fremont, or E-cycle WA locations

• At home: request a Special Item Pickup with Seattle Public Utilities($20 for Special Items box, $30 for TVs larger than 2 ft.)

Battery Specific Disposal Options:

• Free drop off: SPU North or South Transfer Stations, Household Hazardous Waste Management facilities, or partner retail locations listed on Call2Recycle.org or E-cycle WA

• If a battery is damaged or defective, drop off at a Household Hazardous Waste Management Facility (free of charge)

• At home: request a Special Item Pickup  ($5 charge)