💻 Understanding E-Waste: Why Your Old Electronics Can't Go in the Trash
California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act · lead · mercury · precious metals recovery
That old TV, computer, or smartphone contains a hidden world of materials—some valuable, some highly toxic.
In California, it's illegal to dispose of many electronics in the trash, and for good reason.
The Electronic Waste Recycling Act ensures these items are handled safely, recovering precious metals and keeping poisons out of our environment.
This guide explains why e‑waste requires special handling, the hazards involved, and how proper recycling protects the Bay Area and beyond.
Lead in CRTs
Old CRT monitors and TVs contain 4–8 lbs of lead. Lead can damage the nervous system and contaminate soil and water.
Toxic to humans
Mercury & batteries
Fluorescent backlights, batteries, and circuit boards contain mercury, cadmium, and lithium. These can leach into groundwater.
Harms wildlife
Precious metals
Circuit boards contain gold, silver, copper, and palladium. Recycling recovers these valuable resources.
- 1 ton of boards = 40x more gold than ore
Conserves mining
Flame retardants
Plastic casings contain brominated flame retardants, which persist in the environment and may disrupt hormones.
Safe disposal needed
California's Electronic Waste Recycling Act (SB 20 / SB 50)
- Covered devices: The act applies to televisions, computer monitors, laptops, and other video display devices. Consumers pay a small fee at purchase to fund recycling.
- Landfill ban: Covered electronic devices are banned from California landfills. They must be taken to certified recyclers.
- Certified recyclers: Only state‑approved e‑waste recyclers can process these items, ensuring they are dismantled safely and toxics are contained.
- Resource recovery: The law encourages recovery of precious metals, glass, and plastics for use in new products.
- Environmental protection: Keeping e‑waste out of landfills protects groundwater, the Bay Delta, and wildlife from toxic exposure.
How e‑waste recycling works & where to go
- Collection: Drop off e‑waste at certified centers. Many retailers (Best Buy, Staples) offer take‑back. Local transfer stations also accept e‑waste (fees may apply).
- Dismantling: Certified recyclers manually or mechanically separate components: CRTs are crushed and leaded glass is smelted; circuit boards are shredded for precious metal recovery.
- Material recovery: Gold, silver, copper are extracted and sold. Plastics are pelletized for new products. Hazardous materials are safely disposed.
- Bay Area options: JUNK180 (Benicia) serves Solano, Napa, Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, SF, and Sonoma, ensuring e‑waste is properly recycled. Local facilities include Recology and county household hazardous waste events.
200M lbs e‑waste recycled annually in CA
707-377-3221 JUNK180 contact
What happens if e‑waste goes to landfill?
- Lead and mercury can leach into groundwater, threatening drinking water sources like the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta.
- Toxins can accumulate in fish and wildlife, entering the food chain.
- Fires at landfills can release toxic fumes from burning electronics.
- Valuable resources (gold, copper) are lost forever.