Find locations for recycling old electronics in Philadelphia this spring.
As spring arrives, individuals often take the opportunity to declutter their homes, which includes sorting through old electronics such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. While discarding these items with regular household waste may appear convenient, it is illegal in Pennsylvania and could pose risks to both the environment and personal data security. The township of Lower Merion is organizing an “Anything with a Plug” event in June, representing one of several initiatives throughout the Philadelphia area aimed at responsibly recycling electronic waste.
Mike Dinh, CEO of Elemental Inc., a recycling firm located in Northeast Philadelphia, emphasizes the significance of disposing of electronics correctly to safeguard personal data. Older devices can be vulnerable to information theft, as they may still contain sensitive data that malicious actors can exploit for fraud and identity theft. This concern is compounded by environmental stakes; unrecycled electronics can release hazardous materials, including lead and mercury, into landfills and waterways. Andrew Segal, a representative from eForce Recycling in Grays Ferry, notes the importance of recycling in mitigating these environmental risks.
Despite general awareness surrounding the need for proper disposal of electronics, many residents are unaware of the ease with which they can recycle their outdated devices. While the city and surrounding suburbs previously relied on Retrievr, a recycling service that has suspended operations, alternatives abound for residents seeking eco-friendly disposal options.
The Lower Merion “Anything with a Plug” event is scheduled for June 7 from 9 a.m. to noon, where residents are invited to drop off electronics at the Public Works Complex located at 1300 N. Woodbine Ave. For those unable to attend, Elemental Inc. accepts electronics Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with small loads requiring no appointment and larger loads manageable by prior arrangement.
Goodwill’s Keystone Area, in collaboration with Reworld, has initiated an electronics recycling program that addresses the need for proper e-waste disposal services across Pennsylvania’s suburbs. Locations in Bensalem, Langhorne, Berwyn, and East Norriton participate in this beneficial program.
Additionally, eForce Recycling in Grays Ferry operates from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, where residents can drop off a wide array of electronic items. Major retailers such as Best Buy and Staples also offer electronics recycling services, which allow customers to return devices directly to stores, with specific guidelines on quantity and acceptability.
For individuals living in Philadelphia, municipal sanitation convenience centers provide another avenue for responsibly recycling electronic items. This commitment to reducing electronic waste not only contributes to protecting the environment but also enhances data security for individuals in the community.
