Proper disposal of batteries, electronics, and hazardous waste

When batteries, thermostats, electronics, oil, and other potentially hazardous wastes are improperly disposed of, they can harm public health and the environment. Batteries and e-waste—such as computers, printers, and cell phones—contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When they are thrown away in the trash, they end up in landfills, and these toxic compounds can leach into soil and water, polluting lakes and streams and making them unfit for drinking, swimming, fishing, and supporting wildlife.

In addition to making sure these wastes are disposed of correctly, where possible, you should purchase less-toxic and reusable products to reduce the amount of potentially hazardous wastes needing disposal. See our Purchasing section for more product purchasing tips.

Many local governments offer assistance to companies that wish to safely dispose of these products. Contact your local government’s recycling or solid waste management department to learn more about the services it provides. Your waste hauler may be a valuable source of information as well. Many states have also organized online “materials exchanges” that identify options for selling and donating products such as batteries and computers.

Also consider joining the EPA’s free WasteWise program, which provides members with several benefits, including a technical assistance team that can help you conduct a waste audit and reduce waste. For listings of recycling service providers and firms that can safely manage potentially hazardous wastes, visit Earth 911’s Business Resources Directory and the Environmental Yellow Pages.

You may also want to consider incorporating language into future contracts with suppliers of electronics equipment, specifying that they take back these  products at the end of their use for recycling and environmentally responsible disposal.

Sample electronics take-back contract language

Additional Resources

• EPA: Hazardous Waste
• OSHA: Hazardous Waste