By Brandon Hearn

What do a broken toaster, a Betamax player and a cord from an old Blackberry all have in common?

If you guessed, “they can all be recycled” then you get a gold star. “Recycled?” You may ask. “I thought electronics couldn’t go in my recycling bin.” Again, another gold star for you. Electronics of any kind can’t be recycled in your curbside recycle cart, but they can be recycled at any number of electronic recyclers in and around Johnson County. It’s more than just computers and TVs, but also includes anything powered by batteries or a cord.

Why should I recycle my electronics?

Recycling our electronics keeps usable materials, including precious metals, out of our landfill and allows them to be used again. At the same time, it keeps hazardous heavy metals like mercury and cadmium out of the landfill.

Recycling electronics also helps reduce pollution and the energy used in the production of new products. The recycling industry accounts for more than 500,000 jobs and is a billion-dollar industry.

What happens to the electronics?

Depending on the location, electronics are first sorted and then dismantled to separate materials. From there, your electronics are either shredded on site or sent to a facility for shredding. This step allows the recyclers to collect materials for recycling, including plastics and different metals.

Some electronic recyclers have reuse programs or donation programs where they will remove usable items or refurbish items.

Is it safe?

Data safety is of the upmost importance to all the electronic recyclers. Whether that is done through specific data destruction or through the shredding process, every electronic recycler has processes to ensure data safety. If you are hesitant, you can always check with the specific recycler to see what their process is.

Electronic recycling locations include: the Household Hazardous Waste facility (for Olathe residents ONLY), Adams Cable Equipment in Lenexa, Secure E-Cycle located off I-35 and Lamar, Liquid Tech KC located in Shawnee and MRC Recycling in Kansas City, Missouri. Best Buy and Staples locations will also accept certain electronics.

Other options can be found at recyclespot.org or jocogov.org. Search for: Electronics Recycling. There are also electronic recycling events throughout the year, including the Overland Park Recycling Extravaganza that happens in the spring and fall.

You can find other electronic recycling events at: recyclespot.org/events or greenabilitymagazine.com/green-events. Electronics that contain refrigerants or Freon, including refrigerators and dehumidifiers, may not be accepted at all these locations. Additional charges usually apply for these items.

Charges may apply for certain items and usually this is limited to CRT TV and computer monitors but may include other items depending on the location or event. CRT TVs and monitors have lead in the glass, which has to be processed separately from other electronics.

If you have questions about electronic recycling or any other environmental topics, you can contact Brandon Hearn at brandon.hearn@jocogov.org or 913-715-6936.

Brandon Hearn is environmental health specialist at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.