How & Where to Recycle Specific Materials

Computers, Televisions & Other Electronic Devices

Computers and other electronic devices now comprise the fastest growing waste stream in the country.  Computers contain several potential contaminants such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium and nickel. They are classified as hazardous waste products by the EPA and DNR, thereby making it illegal for businesses to landfill or incinerate these machines.  Televisions contain significant amounts of lead; flat screen televisions have high levels of mercury.

Fortunately, there are a growing number of opportunities to recycle these machines.  The following locations in Eau Claire County accept computers and other electronic items as noted on a routine basis:

As of April 2011, First Choice Computer Recycling is taking most of household and k-12 public school electronics at NO COST!  It is best to call First Choice Computer Recycling for detailed information (715-833-2005, 525 Park Ridge Court, Eau Claire, WI  54703) - Open Monday - Saturday.  They accept computer equipment, televisions, VCRs and other electronics.  They also accept appliances.

Best Buy accepts most electronics either free of charge or for $10.  Where they do charge the $10 fee, they give the customer a $10 gift certificate.  There are some conditions.  To find out more, go to their website at www.bestbuy.com - near the top of the page in the Search For dialogue box, type in the word "recycling".  Updated July 20, 2009

Bridge Creek Transfer Station (S9515 State Highway 27, Augusta) - open Saturdays only from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  Fees are on a per unit basis.  Updated July 20, 2009

Comprehensive Recycling (715-839-7899)  This company accepts computers, monitors and industrial scrap.  They are located in the Mondovi Industrial Park.  They currently do not accept materials on a drop-off basis but they intend to accept materials this way in the future.  For the time being, you must call them to make arrangements for delivering materials.  Updated July 20, 2009

RAM Technologies (715-834-9797, 2828 London Road, Eau Claire)  NOTE: RAM also accepts other electronic scrap.  Fees are on a per item basis.  Call the store for specific prices.  Customers may purchase both new and used computers and computer parts.   Updated July 20, 2009

The Salvation Army (715-726-9506, 521 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls) will take working computers for resale under the following conditions:  1) the machine is less than 5 years old; 2) the donor guarantees the machine works; 3) the donor leaves a name and phone number, and is willing to remove the machine if it doesn't work properly.  Updated July 20, 2009

Other possibilities include the following:

The Wisconsin Department of Corrections maintains a computer-recycling program as a work project for inmates. Nonprofit organizations may purchase computers and monitors. For information on donating or purchasing equipment, call 920-324-9337.  Updated July 20, 2009

Dell Computers has announced a program that allows consumers to trade, auction or donate their used computers.  The link is:  http://www.dell.com/us/en/dhs/topics/segtopic_dell_recycling.htm  
What Goes Into A Computer?  Updated July 20, 2009

Cell Phones & Telephones

National chain stores and cell phone retailers who recycle unwanted or broken phones include:

AT&T, Best Buy, FedEx Kinkos, Office Depot, Office Max, Radio Shack, Sam's Club, Sprint Wireless, Target, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon, and Wal-Mart.

Reasons why cell phones should be recycled

First, they contain a large number of hazardous substances.  These include heavy metals such as cadmium, hexavalent chromium, lead (it is estimated that between 100,000 - 150,000 tons of lead solder are used annually worldwide in the production of electronics), copper, and antimony.  The plastic housing of most cell phones contain flame retardants that are classified as chlorinated, halogenated or brominated.  These retardants, if incinerated in the presence of copper, which is widely used in cell phones, form dioxins and furans, both highly toxic.

Second, cell phones also contain precious metals such as gold and silver.  The amount of gold in as few as 200 cell phones is enough to make a small ring.  Putting cell phones into the recycling system means that important resources are conserved.

Third, the number of cell phones in use is exploding.  In the ten years between 1990 - 2000, the number of subscribers in this country grew from 5.3 to 109.5 million.  At the beginning of 2008, it is estimated that there were over 233 million cell phones; 150 million of them will be replaced by end of the year.

Like computers, cell phone technology changes rapidly and phones quickly become obsolete.  Marketing schemes encourage users to replace still functioning phones with newer models.  It is estimated that in 2005, this country discarded 65,000 tons of cells phones and accessories.

Fortunately, there are some national programs that accept cellular phones for either refurbishing and reuse, or recycling.  In many instances, since all cell phones are required by federal law to be capable of dialing 9-1-1 for emergencies, they are often donated to agencies such as domestic abuse shelters.  Others are sent to Third World countries for use.

Desk phones are accepted for recycling at First Choice Computer Recycling (715-833-2005) located at 525 Park Ridge Court, Eau Claire, WI  54703.  There is no charge for this service.