Metric tons of e-waste generated globally in 2023
Of global e-waste formally collected and recycled
Worth of recoverable materials discarded annually
Toxic and hazardous materials found in electronics
E-Waste in Massachusetts
Of e-waste generated in Massachusetts each year
Max MassDEP fine for improper electronics disposal
Year MA banned computers, monitors & TVs from landfills
Massachusetts counties served by licensed collectors
Massachusetts banned the disposal of computers, monitors, and televisions in landfills and solid waste facilities in 2012. All businesses and residents must use a MA DEP licensed recycler. Violations are actively enforced by MassDEP with substantial penalties.
What's Inside Your Electronics
Electronics contain hazardous materials that require careful handling. When improperly landfilled or burned, these materials leach into soil and groundwater.
| Material | Found In | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | CRT screens, solder, circuit boards | Neurological damage, kidney disease, developmental harm in children |
| Mercury | LCD backlights, batteries, switches | Brain and kidney damage, particularly harmful to fetuses and children |
| Cadmium | Rechargeable batteries, circuit boards | Accumulates in kidneys, linked to lung cancer and renal disease |
| Hexavalent Chromium | Metal coatings, data tape | Severe corrosion of respiratory tract, known carcinogen |
| Brominated Flame Retardants | Plastic casings, cables | Endocrine disruption, thyroid disorders, developmental toxicity |
| Beryllium | Motherboards, connector pins | Chronic lung disease, lung cancer in workers exposed to dust |
The Hidden Value in E-Waste
Electronics contain recoverable precious metals worth billions annually. Proper recycling recovers these materials and reduces the need for destructive mining.
1 ton of phones yields ~340g gold — 50x more than gold ore
More silver in 1 ton of phones than in many silver mines
Used in capacitors; worth more per ounce than gold
Recycled copper uses 85% less energy than mining
Critical mineral in EV batteries; largely mined in Congo
Tips for Responsible Recycling
Back up all data, then factory reset the device. A RIOS Certified Recycler will destroy data regardless — but a reset reduces exposure during transport.
Any recycler worth using will provide a serialized Certificate of Destruction per device. If they cannot provide one, that is a red flag.
Look for RIOS Certified Recycler and MA DEP licensed status. These certifications are publicly verifiable — do not just take a vendor's word for it.
Businesses should schedule ITAD pickups at least annually. Data on idle devices is still a liability even if the device is not actively being used.
Schedule a pickup with Boston's trusted electronics recycler — RIOS Certified Recycler and ISO 45001 certified.