Electronics are an important part of our society. Smartphones have changed the way we interact with each other. Not only can we communicate by portable telephone with anyone, but now we can socialize with anyone around the world. From the laptops and computers we use to chat with family living in different states, to creating full scale projects, and watching thousands of movies available online – we are wired nation.
Each year our electronic use rises as we innovate and upgrade our technology. Next thing you know, there are four computers, five cell phones, and three stereos in your house gathering dust, and you need to get rid of old electrnics. According to an article in Forbes, about 3.5 million tons of used and end-of-life electronics were collected and processed.
Let’s help reduce the amount of E-Waste by being mindful how we take get rid of those old electronics! We’ve got some helpful tips to help you Iowans find out where locally you can drop off those technology items.
Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center or East Side Recycling Center
As of November 2016, sending your old televisions and computer monitors to the landfill is banned. As a resolution these items you can recycle at your neighborhood center. Both the Iowa City Landfill and East Side Recycling center accept electronics for a fee depending on the item.
According to the Iowa City Government Website, the pay schedule is as follows:
- $12 for computer systems or TVs with 18-inch screen or smaller.
- $17 for each computer system or TV with a screen larger than 18 inches.
- $3 for miscellaneous electronic items like VCRs, DVD players, printers, fax machines, etc.
- $3 for small appliances like toasters and blenders.
You can learn more about prices and what electronics you can recycle at the center here.
Goodwill Industries of Central Iowa
If paying to get rid of your old tech is not your style, maybe donating will be more your speed. Goodwill is here to save the day! Take those old electronics and donate them to your local Iowa Goodwill. By donating, you give other people a chance to purchase electronics for an affordable price that normally they wouldn’t have been able to do. The best part is you will NOT be charged to drop off these items. You can also include this charitable donation for tax purposes by asking for a donor receipt at the time of drop off.
Find your local Central Iowa Goodwill here: Goodwill Computer Recycling
Midwest Electronic Recovery
If you want to drop your electronics off at a well-known Iowa location that specializes in tech waste disposal then Midwest Electronic Recovery is your choice. The great thing about MER is that if your computer or electronic equipment comes with data to the facility, they will wipe the hard drive clean for your security. MER accepts most electronic items free of charge for recycling. However, large electronic items are subject to a charge depending on the item. Learn more about Midwest Electronic Recovery.
Be sure to check out some of the great centers Iowa has to offer to help you get rid of old electronics. For the best in quality electrical repair work and installations, contact the professionals at Custom Electric! Be sure to check back here each week for helpful advice, news, and guides or follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
City of Iowa City . (n.d.). Electronic Waste. Retrieved from City of Iowa City: https://www.icgov.org/ewaste
Fava, P. (2011, December 20). New Study on E-Waste in the United States. Retrieved from Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/philfava/2011/12/20/new-study-on-e-waste-in-the-united-states/#5fcf4e094aad
