The majority of electronic items cannot and should not be disposed of in landfills. They may contain hazardous materials like beryillium, cadmium, lead, and mercury that can leech into soil and water supplies. This can be deadly to the plants and wildlife that need the soil and water to survive. It can also be harmful to humans who may consume the water. As such, you need to recycle your electronics when they are at the end of their lifespan. While there are many companies that offer electronics recycling, the companies are not all the same. If you are looking to recycle your electronics, here are a few questions to ask the recycling company. 

Will You Pick Up the Electronics?

Some electronics, such as CRT televisions and appliances, are large and heavy. If you do not have a truck or help loading the item into your car, you may struggle to get rid of it. Fortunately, some recycling companies will come to you and pick up the item. In some cases, they charge for pickups, and in other cases, it is free of charge. If you have a large item, ask an electronics recycling company if they will pick it up and what the cost will be for the pickup. 

Do You Charge for Electronics Recycling? 

Speaking of costs, not every electronics recycling center will take every electronic item free of charge. Some companies will charge you to recycle certain items. Many computers and CRT televisions are costly to break down and dispose of properly. As such, this cost is passed on to you, the person looking to discard the item. Always ask a recycler what they will charge to recycle or dispose of your e-waste. 

What Electronic Items Do You Accept? 

There are many different types of electronic items, including digital cameras, appliances, computers, televisions, DVD players, printers, and copy machines. Some electronics recycling centers only accept certain types of electronic items for recycling. Always ask what items they accept instead of assuming they accept everything. 

What Are Your Drop-Off Hours? 

Lastly, if you are dropping off your electronic items at a recycling center, ask what their drop-off hours are. Some are closed on weekend or evenings. The last thing you want is to haul your e-waste out to a location and find out they are closed. As such, it is important to ask what their hours are and to find a recycler whose hours jive with yours. 

Not all electronics recycling companies are the same. Knowing what questions to ask will help you find the best electronics recycling company for your needs. 

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