LibGuides: Green Libraries: Electronics purchasing & disposal

Tips for Greener Purchases

Earth friendly electronics doesn't have to be an oxymoron. Use these tips to select greener electronics.

Buy with energy in mind. Look for the Energy Star label.
Buy used. According to the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, 50% of computers being recycled are in good working order. They are discarded to make way for the latest technology.
- Look on Freecyle, Ebay, Craigslist, or at your local computer dealer for used machines.
- Some manufacturers offer refurbushed machines.
Look for EPEAT
Buy less toxic

The resources below will help you make better computer purchasing decisions.

Watch The Story of Electronics

The Story of Electronics employs the Story of Stuff style to explore the high-tech revolution's collateral damage—25 million tons of e-waste and counting, poisoned workers and a public left holding the bill. Annie Leonard takes viewers from the mines and factories where our gadgets begin to the horrific backyard recycling shops in China where many end up. The film concludes with a call for a green 'race to the top' where designers compete to make long-lasting, toxic-free products that are fully and easily recyclable.

Green your electronics purchasing and disposal

Earth911 Recycling Guides
Excellent resource for recycling all types of materials.
EPEAT Product Registry
EPEAT is the definitive global registry for greener electronics.
Federal Electronics Challenge
The Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) was a partnership program that ran from 2005-2013 that encouraged federal facilities and agencies to purchase greener electronics, reduce impacts of electronics during use, and manage used electronics in an environmentally safe way. Although the program ended, resources are still available on the website.
How To Remove Your Personal Information Before You Get Rid of Your Computer
Your personal computer may have a lot of sensitive information on it. That could be financial information like your account numbers or tax returns. Or it could be personal information like email messages or photos. Before you get rid of your old computer, follow these steps to delete your personal information from the hard drive so it doesn’t end up in the hands of an identity thief.
Illinois EPA Electronic Waste Recycling
The Consumer Electronics Recycling Act establishes a statewide system for recycling and/or reusing a set of electronic devices that are unwanted by Illinois residents. The electronics manufacturers are required to participate in the management of these devices.
Proper Disposal of Electronic Devices
In addition to effectively securing sensitive information on electronic devices, it is important to follow best practices for electronic device disposal. Computers, smartphones, and cameras allow you to keep a great deal of information at your fingertips, but when you dispose of, donate, or recycle a device you may inadvertently disclose sensitive information, which could be exploited by cyber criminals. From the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
U.S. EPA Electronics Donation and Recycling
U.S. EPA resources for donating and recycling electronics.