E-waste

SAFE AND SECURE E-RECYCLING

Why is it so important to handle e-waste responsibly?

E-waste — discarded electronic items such as cell phones, televisions, laptops, gaming consoles and more — poses risks to both the environment and humans.

  • E-waste represents 2% of the material in landfills but is estimated to represent a staggering 70% of the toxins in landfills. These toxins include lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, which have the potential to contaminate groundwater and soil.

  • If not disposed of properly, sensitive information from devices could fall into the wrong hands, putting you at risk of identity theft, financial fraud or disclosure of personal information.

That’s why Camo Crew Junk Removal is committed to handling e-waste responsibly through safe e-cycling practices.

What should I know about e-waste?

 It’s against the law.

Aside from the harm that improper disposal can cause, it’s against the law to just throw e-waste in the trash. The following electronics are banned from incineration or landfill disposal in Wisconsin:

  • TVs

  • Computers (desktops, laptops, netbooks and tablets)

  • Desktop printers (including those that scan, fax and/or copy and 3-D printers)

  • Monitors and e-readers

  • Other computer accessories (keyboards, mice, speakers, external hard drives, flash drives)

  • DVD players, VCRs and other video players

  • Fax machines

  • Cell phones

A lot of it is piling up

The state Department of Natural Resources estimates that Wisconsin households had 7.6 million TVs, 8.3 million computers (including desktops, laptops and tablets) and 9.3 million cellphones in their homes in 2021. According to a DNR survey, 17% of the TVs, 26% of the computers and 44% of the cellphones were not in use. This translates into about 1.3 million TVs, 2.2 million computers and 4.1 million cellphones ready for disposal.

How does e-cycling work?

E-cycling is the process of recycling electronic waste instead of sending it to a landfill. In this process, steps are taken to reclaim valuable materials such as copper, gold, palladium and silver. Steps are also taken to prevent data from being compromised in any way.

Here’s how it works at Camo Crew Junk Removal:

  • Step 1: Any electronic waste we collect, whether from a home or business, is taken to our warehouse.

  • Step 2: We sort the waste depending on type and store it securely until we make periodic deliveries to Universal Recycling Technologies (URT) in Janesville, WI, a facility that specializes in e-cycling.

  • Step 3: Once the material arrives at URT, it is recycled, or e-cycled, according to strict protocols. Materials do not leave URT’s secure facilities until they’re properly wiped, tested and verified as completely destroyed or refurbished. Components are reclaimed or re-used. 

What if I want to recycle my own e-waste?

If you have just a few e-waste items to dispose of, you have the option of taking them to an authorized facility or a community collection program. 

  • Watch for Camo Crew Junk Removal’s e-cycling events. Camo Crew offers free e-cycling events throughout the year. They are open to the public and held at various locations in southeastern Wisconsin. In 2022 alone, we recycled over 100,000 pounds of e-waste. Visit our Community Events page to find out about upcoming events.

  • Find an e-cycling facility near you. Many communities have e-cycling drop-off centers. Check your municipal website or try this online guide offered by the state Department of Natural Resources. Keep in mind that sometimes there can be a fee. Also, some electronics stores will accept items to recycle.

  •  Watch for community e-cycling events. Many communities organize e-cycling drop-off events. Check with your municipal waste department.

Want to make sure your e-waste is discarded the safe, responsible way? Call Camo Crew today! 414-420-2266