Oregon E-Cycles:
In Oregon, it’s free and easy to safely recycle TVs, computers, printers, monitors, and tablets through a no-cost statewide program known as Oregon E-Cycles
After more than a year plus of COVID-19 quarantine, are you feeling a little cramped? Feeling like there’s too much stuff and not enough space?
If your excess stuff includes electronics that you no longer use, you’re in good company.
Over two-thirds of households in Oregon report that they have old, unused electronics taking up space in their home. And many share the concern that they want to dispose of them safely, to keep our state free from the hazardous materials they may contain, such as lead and mercury that can harm people and wildlife.
“I keep stuff in my closet or under the bed. I’m thinking about buying a container for all these things,” said one respondent interviewed about their electronic waste. Another noted that “My old computer is a gigantic paperweight. It needs to go away.”
What’s with all of this e-junk across the state? A recent statewide survey conducted by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality found that residents often simply don’t know where to take their unwanted electronics. And the problem exists across all parts of Oregon.
Here’s the good news. In Oregon, it’s free and easy to safely recycle TVs, computers, printers, monitors, and tablets through a no-cost statewide program known as Oregon E-Cycles. The program ensures that harmful materials like lead and mercury often found in older electronics are kept out of our air, soil, and water.
Oregon has a toll-free number and website to find out where to drop off electronics for recycling. There are over 200 drop-off sites around the state, and finding your nearest location is as simple as calling 888-532-9253 or visiting EcycleOregon.org.
All of these drop-off sites are members of the Oregon E-Cycles program which requires that they follow the program’s strict Environmental Management standards that protect our health, environment, and open spaces by properly disposing of the equipment they receive.
Worried about protecting your private information before recycling? For those items that may have personal information stored on them, here’s a simple guide to erasing your data from your computer before recycling it. More details can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/deq/ecycles/Pages/Consumers.aspx
After using the E-Cycles program, “I realized it was very easy. You just pull up, tell them that you want to recycle some electronic goods. They bring out a little wheeler basket, you just put your stuff in there … and then you’re on your way,” one Oregon resident said.
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Lauren Norris
Lauren Norris is the Manager for the award-winning Master Recycler Program. Master Recyclers are a volunteer corps of over 1600 volunteers who serve the Portland metropolitan area to inspire neighbors and coworkers into action. Master Recyclers share what they learn on the topics of sustainable consumption, equity, and inclusion, materials management, toxics, recycling, and compost.
